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 organization’s “processes,” using behavioral-science knowledge.

Richard Beckhard

You can find three definitions (one that I use) on the web site on the ODNetwork. You can scroll around to find out more about the organization.

The Classic Seven Phases of OD

1. Entry
2. Contracting
3. Diagnosis
4. Feedback
5. Action Planning
6. Intervention
7. Evaluation