Research Trajectories in Organization Change & Development: Conversations With Volume 25 Authors

Abstract

The Annual Research in Organization Change and Development Series has reached a milestone. The current issue is the 25th volume marking the silver anniversary of the series. The first annual research volume was published thirty years ago by JAI Press (1987). Earmarking this achievement we have asked few of the authors that contributed to the first few volumes to contribute a reflective manuscript that captures the evolution of the field through their perspective during the past 30 years. The volume includes eight such contributions, six of which are included in this symposium proposal and will join us at the upcoming AOM meeting. Volume 25 of ROCD continues the tradition of providing insightful and thought provoking chapters. Six of the manuscripts are based on a 30-year longitudinal reflection and introspection about the ODC field, specific change and development orientations, emerging research trajectories in ODC and, the evolution of foundational concepts over time. Other contributions focus on: The role that identity plays in achieving strategic change; the merger process of two academic institutions; the challenge of OD work at the eco- system level; and, the power of using a systems psychodynamics frame, attending to group dynamics, conducting Psycho-Social research, and viewing self- as-instrument as a rigorous method of sense-making when engaged in Organization Development and Change (OD&C) research and practice The interactive session provides a unique opportunity to explore research findings and emerging research directions in the field. The give and take in the small group discussions led by chapter authors' advance our collective understanding of current issues facing the field.