ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The part represents realistic and responsible horn-blowing about organization development (OD) success rates. It also represents significant tethering of the OD field and its practitioners. The part suggests that the technology-cum-values called OD, has substantial power. The selection under the visioning theme seeks to sketch the major trade-offs involved in the three Ps —professionalization, performance, and protectionism. The three Ps circumscribe the basic battleground within which protagonist and antagonist strut their stuff on the subject of the certification of ODers. The visioning selection proposes a three-facet model for structuring a macro expression of what OD might become. These facts deal with: the several classes of appropriate OD designs; the several levels at which they can be applied, from the individual through various international systems; and the time frame of the intervention, from emergency reaction to long-range prevention.
