Organizational Development and Change

Abstract

This literature review is designed to provide an overview of the major theories of organizational change and development needed for understanding macro social work practice. It introduces the reader to theoretical frameworks underpinning organizational change from different perspectives. These perspectives will provide readers with an opportunity to critically assess theories and their applications to social work management and planning in human services settings. The review’s main emphasis is on social work’s principle of system change. Particular attention is focused on the study of relevant issues, such as the role of external and internal factors associated with organizational change in terms of changing of routines, practices, or structure. The compilation of studies in this comprehensive literature review includes seminal readings on the foundations of organizational thought regarding change and development, as well as studies that successfully incorporate such foundations to inform an evidentiary base on organizational responses to lead planned change.