2. Grid Organization Development
Perhaps the most thoroughgoing and systematic organization development programme is that described by Robert R. Blake and Jane S. Mouton, Grid Organization Development (1969).
It aims at individuals, groups and the organisation as a whole.
Objectives
i. To study the organisation as an interactive system and apply techniques of analysis in diagnosing its problems.
ii. To understand the importance and rationale of systematic change.
iii. To evaluate the styles of leadership and techniques of participation to produce desirable results.
Process
In a six phase programme lasting about 3-5 years, an organization can move systematically from the stage examining managerial behavior and style to the development and implementation of an ‘ ideal strategic corporate model’.
i. Managerial Grid
It covers various aspects of assessing managerial styles, problem solving, communication skills, and teamwork. The individuals try to learn to become 9,9 managers by practice.
ii. Teamwork Development
The focus in this stage is to develop teamwork by analyzing team culture, traditions and the alike. The skills relating to planning, objective setting, and problem solving are also developed.
iii. Inter-group Development
At this phase, the focus is on inter-group behavior and relations. The thrust is on moving groups form conflict to cooperation. Each group separately analyses the ideal inter-group relationship. Action steps to move towards the ideal are developed and assigned to individuals who may be engaged in building cooperative inter-group relationships.
iv. Developing Ideal Strategic Corporate Model
At this stage, the focus shifts to the total organization and to develop skills necessary for organizational excellence. The action is designed to identify the characteristics of the ideal organization. The members of the organization are trained for achieving this excellence.
v. Implementing the Ideal Strategic Model
The implementation stage includes the building of the organization on the model of ideal organization on the basis of concepts developed under stage 4. Each group may be given assignment to evolve strategy for making ideal organization with the help of consultant. The strategy is then implemented.
vi. Systematic Critique
In this stage, the various efforts from phase 1 to phase 5 evaluated and critical analysis is made. The analysis will bring out the shortcomings that may be there. In this light, the various programmes may be redesigned.