Abstract

Transitioning Organizations for Sustainability (TOS) is the practice of holistic organizational transformation in response to complex social, ecological, and economic challenges. This study examined the relationship between the worldview of organization development (OD) practitioners and their professional identity, particularly those practicing TOS. The study compared professional data with levels of agreement with the NEP Scale (Dunlap, Van Liere, Mertig & Jones, 2000). Data were collected through a survey of Pepperdine University MSOD affiliates and interviews with TOS practitioners. Current TOS practice, a future desire for TOS practice, a Master's level education, and a future-oriented outlook were shown to have some positive relationship to greater levels of agreement with the NEP Scale. This research substantiated a connection between worldview and the professional identities of OD practitioners in TOS. It also supported proposals in the literature that OD practitioners may be well positioned to lead this type of complex change.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Research projects (MSOD); Organizational change; Sustainable development; Environmental economics; Cultural competence

Date of Award

2012

School Affiliation

Graziadio Business School

Department/Program

Business

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Masters

Faculty Advisor

Feyerherm, Ann;

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