How Organization Development Can Develop Organizational Theory

1 September 1983

journal article
research article
Published by SAGE Publications in Group & Organization Studies

Vol. 8 (3) , 303-318
https://doi.org/10.1177/105960118300800308

Abstract

Organization development practitioners devote considerable atten tion to the application of theory and research in their practice. They less often consider the potential for their practice to contribute to theory. To foster a more even balance between contributions of theory and practice, this article discusses several types of contributions OD practice can make to theory. These include modifying established theories, addressing new problem areas, and exploring the internal logic of organizations' experiences.

Keywords

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