Organization Development and Consulting: Perspectives and Foundations

This thoroughly research-based book— written by two experts in the field Fred Massarik and Marissa Pei-Carpenter with contributions from other well-known professionals— reestablishes the connection between theory, research, and practice and affirms core OD values. They emphasize the "personhood" of the consultant and client, the relevance of "feel" and intuition combined with fact and technique, and the importance of real people doing real things in real time holistically. In addition to these core ideas, the authors outline new viewpoints that are especially relevant in today's rapidly changing world. They explain that quick-fix linear approaches are not likely to bring substantial lasting results and OD must be rooted in the vast knowledge available about the human condition-recognizing the complexity of real life. They also show how value is the essential cornerstone of organization development.

Written for organization development professionals and researchers, this book reflects the current state and future prospects of the field. Emphasizing the personal aspects of the consultant-client relationship, the importance of intuition and subjective factors, and an holistic approach, the book seeks to connect theory, research, and practice with core values. Massarik taught behavioral science and industrial relations at the University of California; Pel-Capenter is a business consultant. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Fred Massarik is a professor emeritus of behavioral science and industrial relations and former chair of the behavioral and organizational science faculty in the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is an original member of the National Training Laboratories Institute for Applied Behavioral Science (NTL) and consults internationally with corporate clients and universities.

Marissa Pei-Carpenter is a business consultant focusing on strategic planning/ management decision-making, quality and continuous improvement, and teamwork. Her clients have included organizations such as AT&T, Toyota, Exxon Chemical, Allied Signal, Rockwell International, Unocal, Orange County Transportation Authority, Amgen, and the American Heart Association.

Editorial Board: David Bradford, W. Warner Burke, Edith W. Seashore, Robert Tannenbaum, Christopher G. Worley, and Shaolin Zhang.