ORGL 517: Organizational Change and Transformation

Professor: Professor Christopher Crosby

Taken: Fall 2023

Description: Students will be exposed to the concepts of organizational change, health, and transformation. After developing a profile of a healthy organization, students will use this as a guide, practicing methods of organizational diagnosis and intervention.
This course will provide opportunities to consider tools that support alignment of people around new ways of doing things. Students will have the opportunity to gain confidence and competencies in leading change, and conclude with action planning specific to each individual.
Leading change is a critical skill for organizations in achieving their goals, mission, and vision. Building on theories from change management, we will explore how different situations require different approaches but have common foundations. The course is appropriate for people in various levels and types of organizations, to support leading change effectively

Reflection: There is no one single way to facilitate change. In ORGL 517, I reviewed multiple change models and was able to practice organizational diagnosis and intervention during an immersive session with other students. We discussed multiple change models and identified opportunities in which to leverage the learnings. Some of the models I had used previously but others were new to me. I focused my coursework on the Kubler-Ross Change Curve and the emotional stages people go through when addressing change. I hadn’t approach change through the emotional lens before, I had thought a change was needed and folks would adopt the change initiatives. The people, the culture, the history of the organization all impact the ability to influence change. I walk away with a deeper understanding of the human element and how to be a more effective change agent.