Visions of Current and Future Issues in Organization Development

Abstract

The complexity of the issues and dilemmas that face organization development consult ants today are directly related to the increasing complexity of the environment and systems in which we do our work. Using an "open systems" framework, this article examines the current state, the future state, and the gaps and deficiencies between the two. This is intended to be a provocative examination, from the author's point of view, of those areas that are rarely discussed although they continue to create barriers to truly positioning the profession in ways which are seen as adding societal and systemic value. Specifically, this article describes those key current issues which are operative in how we define ourselves and our profession; the work we do and our relationships with our clients; the areas of deficiency which lesson our effectiveness and ability to respond to the needs of our clients; and last, those future issues for the profession and the oppor tunities that could lead to personal and professional enhancement of our willingness and ability to meaningfully impact the direction of our profession.