About Organizational Development:

"Organization Development is an effort (1) planned, (2) organization-wide, and (3) managed from the top, to (4) increase organization effectiveness and health through (5) planned interventions in the organizations "processes," using behavioral-science knowledge" - from Richard Beckhard’s 1969 Organization Development: Strategies and Models

WWII had a tremendous effect on the social sciences. The world was interested in the potential and peril of organized action by small and large groups.

The term "organization development" was coined in the 1950s by McGregor and Beckhard.

The field of organizational development is informed by values and beliefs about the potential of people and organizations to develop and grow and is concerned about the health and well-being of people at work.

Organizational development involves making important changes through people and improvements to build capacities of individuals, teams and organizations.

About The Gestalt Institute of Cleveland (GIC) and The Gestalt Approach to Consulting:

History/Background:

The Gestalt Institute of Cleveland (GIC) was established in 1954 by some of the earliest students of Fritz Perls, Laura Perls, Isadore Fromm, and Paul Goodman. In 1966, GIC began introducing training programs that pioneered the application of Gestalt theory to work with couples, families, groups, and organizations.

The Institute draws participants from all over the world to its programs for professionals in psychology / psychotherapy, business, health care, education, government, community and religious organizations.

Approach to Learning and Organizational Development:

The German word gestalt means a complete pattern or configuration. A gestalt is a perceived whole. Gestalt theory is rooted in perceptual psychology, holism, and field and systems theory.

A Gestalt approach to Organizational Development focuses on supporting the capacity to influence change. Personal impact / presence and systems thinking (individual, dyad, group, organization, community, etc.) are integral to this approach.

For more information visit www.gestaltcleveland.org