The Growth of ODCL at TISS CSOL

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has been at the forefront of social sciences, particularly in the field of community organization and development practices. Recently, TISS has taken a significant leap towards advancing organizational development (ODCL) with the establishment of its Centre for Social and Organisational Leadership (C SOL).

Reputation and Focus of TISS CODP

TISS is renowned for its strong emphasis on social sciences, and its School of Social Work offers a Master of Arts in Community Organization and Development Practice (CODP). This program is well-regarded for its focus on social justice and community engagement and development practices. While the CODP is a strong choice, particularly for those interested in community organization, it may not align perfectly with those looking to specialize in organizational development from a corporate perspective.

Focus on ODCL

C SOL was created by TISS to develop leadership in businesses, government, non-profit organizations, and communities. Since 2018-19, it has offered a full-time Master of Arts in Organizational Development, Change, and Leadership (MA ODCL). This program aligns with the growing need to nurture and prepare professionals to handle complex organizational development challenges.

Program Details and Benefits

The MA ODCL program at C SOL is designed to blend multi-disciplinary formal and collaborative learning. It includes:

Field immersion assignments across industries Human interaction labs Research dissertation VIRTUAL collaboration programs Coaching and situated learning experiences

In addition, C SOL offers an Executive Post-Graduate Diploma in OD and Change (EPGDODC) for experienced professionals. It also hosts a series of certification programs and an annual Summer/Winter School for OD professionals. Notable among these is the popular demand learning platform, odX, which fosters open exchange of ideas and learning.

Recognition and Conferences

The success of TISS CSOL is evident in its recognition for hosting the prestigious annual OD conference, Transcendence. This event brings together OD professionals from India and around the globe, creating a platform to explore new/emergent paradigms in OD change. Such contributions to the field are critical, aligning TISS CSOL with the standards set by international universities offering similar courses.

Conclusion and Recommendations

While TISS CODP is a comprehensive choice for social justice-focused community development, the MA ODCL at C SOL is a solid option for those looking to specialize in organizational development and leadership within the corporate context. The program's unique blend of theory and practical application, combined with its strong emphasis on research and collaboration, positions TISS as a leading institution in the field of ODCL.