1. Organization Development and Change
Chapter Eight:
Feeding Back
Diagnostic Information
Thomas G. Cummings
Christopher G. Worley

2. Learning Objectives for Chapter Eight
To understand the importance of data feedback in the OD process
To describe the desired characteristics of feedback content
To describe the desired characteristics of the feedback process
Cummings & Worley, 8e (c)2005 Thomson/South-Western

3. Possible Effects of Feedback
Feedback occurs No
Change NO
Is the energy created
by the feedback?
YES
Energy to use
data to identify and
solve problems
What is the direction of the feedback?
Energy
to deny or
fight data
Do structures and
processes turn energy
into action?
Failure,
frustration,
no change NO
Anxiety,
resistance,
no change
YES
Change
Cummings & Worley, 8e (c)2005 Thomson/South-Western

4. Determining the Content of Feedback
Relevant
Understandable
Descriptive
Verifiable
Timely
Limited
Significant
Comparative
Unfinalized
Cummings & Worley, 8e (c)2005 Thomson/South-Western

5. Effective Feedback Meetings
People are motivated to work with the data
The meeting is appropriately structured
The right people are in attendance
knowledge
power and influence
interest
The meeting is facilitated
Cummings & Worley, 8e (c)2005 Thomson/South-Western

6. Survey Feedback Process
Members involved in designing the survey
The survey is administered to the organization
The data is analyzed and summarized
The data is presented to the stakeholders
The stakeholders work with the data to solve problems or achieve vision
Cummings & Worley, 8e (c)2005 Thomson/South-Western

7. Limitations of Survey Feedback
Ambiguity of Purpose
Distrust
Unacceptable Topics
Organizational Disturbances
Cummings & Worley, 8e (c)2005 Thomson/South-Western