Member-only story
The Evolution of Organizational Development
Embracing Holistic Paradigms
Zen Benefiel
In a world marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting cultural values, and a renewed focus on social and environmental responsibility, the concept of organizational development has evolved beyond its traditional confines.
While the traditional models of growth emphasized the pursuit of profit and efficiency, a new paradigm has emerged — one that encompasses a more holistic approach to organizational development.
This chapter explores the transformative journey of organizational development, tracing its evolution from conventional growth models to the embrace of holistic paradigms, all within the context of servant leadership.
The Genesis of Organizational Development: Traditional Growth Models
Historically, the primary goal of organizational development was centered on financial success and market dominance. Businesses sought to increase profitability through strategies such as cost reduction, operational efficiency, and market expansion.
While these approaches delivered results in terms of bottom-line growth, they often overlooked the broader impacts of their operations. Employee well-being, community engagement, and environmental sustainability…