What is the Difference Between Change and Development?

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The main difference between change and development lies in their focus and duration. Here are the key distinctions:

  • Change: Refers to a shift or alteration in something that already exists. It can be positive or negative and can happen both intentionally and unintentionally. In the context of organizations, change management is the process of managing specific changes, focusing on minimizing disruption and ensuring a smooth transition.
  • Development: Refers to the process of creating something new or improving something. It suggests a more gradual and intentional process of growth. In the context of organizations, organizational development (OD) is a systematic approach to improving the effectiveness and performance of the organization as a whole.

In summary:

  • Change management deals with managing specific, immediate changes, often through formal projects.
  • Organizational development focuses on the continuous improvement of the organization as a whole, addressing its design, function, structure, and processes.

Both change and development are essential for an organization's growth and success. Change management is short-term and immediate, while organizational development is long-term and continuous.

Comparative Table: Change vs Development

The table below outlines the key differences between change and development in the organizational context:

Aspect Change Development
Focus Specific changes to the organization's structure, technology, process, and business model to gain a competitive advantage. Continuous improvement of the organization as a whole, focusing on growth opportunities for employees and improvement of the bottom-line.
Planning Change can be planned or unplanned. Planned changes include integrating new technology, process changes, system changes, etc. Unplanned changes are the result of external factors such as economic conditions or changes in government policies. Organizational development is always a well-planned action, based on real problems of the organization.
Basis of Plan Organizational change is planned on a forecasted situation. Organizational development is planned based on real problems of the organization, aiming to increase the organization's effectiveness by developing human potential.
Techniques Organizational change techniques are not mentioned in the search results. Development techniques include sensitivity training, survey feedback, and other methods to facilitate organizational change.
Duration Change management is short-term and immediate. Organizational development is long-term and continuous.

In summary, change refers to specific alterations in an organization, while development is focused on the continuous improvement of the organization as a whole. Both aspects are essential for an organization's growth and success.