Organization Diagnosis and Data Collection
Organization diagnosis is vitally an important method for determining the functioning of a business because it facilitates a joint assessment of the best change intervention. However, it is essential to understand that quality information forms a critical part of the diagnostic process (Cummings & Worley, 2009). Therefore, the data collection and feedback concerns that an organization development (OD) consultant must consider when collecting and analyzing information include scheduling of analytical activities, extent of participation, confidentiality (anonymity), pre and emergent selection criteria of variables, extent of event isolation and data collection, and nature of the target population (Cummings & Worley, 2009). For example, the role of OD a practitioner in an organization that is planning to change part of the production system can only be successful if the analytical plan establishes possible challenges and remedies. The consultant must begin by collecting data about the perceived importance and timeliness of conducting the survey before proceeding to data collection and analysis.
Analytical Procedures and Data Analysis
The analytical procedures using both qualitative and quantitative data requires proper planning, collecting relevant information, analyzing, providing feedback, and conducting follow-up activities. For example, planning for qualitative and quantitative data involves identifying and evaluating the source of information, organizing the study space, and locating and assembling study materials. Data analysis involves investigating, cleaning, transforming, and modeling information to make it useful. The choice of analysis technique and tool also depends on whether the data is qualitative or quantitative. For instance, descriptive tests are appropriate for qualitative data while inferential statistics fit quantitative data. The results of data analysis can be used to examine the relationships among variables. After completing the study and writing the final report, it is always essential to conduct follow-up activities to determine changes or additional information to include in the study. Follow-up activities are important for serious phenomena or unexpected events. In psychological research, for instance, quantitative data are essential when "factual" feedbacks are required for opinion-based questions. Quantitative data are also required when answering questions about people's attitudes, beliefs, and desires. On the contrary, qualitative data allow researchers to answer questions about experiences, perspectives, and meanings from the standpoint of the respondent.
Reference
Cummings, T., & Worley, C. (2009). Organization Development & Change. (9th
Ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage.
