Organization Development: A Catalyst for Social Change

Beth Applegate

Abstract


This article is based on a framework for assessing and working with mental models and utilizing the exploration of ‘dominant’ worldviews to increase individual and organizational competency to identify, assess and shift worldviews to foster social change. The author describes her methodology and results during the data collection, data analysis, data feedback, and intervention phases of a consultation with a client. She reviews literature on white privilege, mental models, power, and cultural competency. The author reflects on implications of the engagement for the client, herself and the discourse on the role of OD as a catalyst for social change.

Keywords


Social justice; social change; worldviews; racism; cultural competency theory; organization development theory; mental models; feminist psychology; social identity; intersectionality theory; polarity management theory; white privilege theory, values

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