ABSTRACT
The list of competencies provided in this chapter is an attempt to synthesize previous efforts, incorporating a validation process from practicing professionals. We wish to thank Don Cole for his encouragement and patience with this effort, and Erin Threlkeld for her significant contribution to earlier versions. The list was first developed in the late 70’s from a review of the literature and underscored by personal experience. It has been revised annually, based on numerous searches of the literature, reviews, and feedback sessions. For example, the list was reviewed by a feedback group at Pepperdine University; presented at the American Society for Training and Development; the OD Interorganization Group World-Wide in Austria; the Minnesota OD Network; and annually at the Organization Development Institute Conference at Lake Geneva. Finally, a committee of 20 well-known OD professionals, under the auspices of the Organization Development Institute, were invited to respond to the competency lists, What follows, therefore, is a revised list based on the input received from these professionals. As W. Edwards Deming advises, however, we see this process as one of “continuous improvement;” i.e., there will never be a time when the list will not require revision.
