Sensitivity Training in Organizations
Chapter from the book:
Korkmaz,
E.
V.
(ed.)
2023.
Selected Articles in the Field of Management and Organization II.
Synopsis
Many organizations operating in today's societies, which are under influence of rapid developments, have to keep up with the changes coming from the environment in order to survive. In this respect, organization development is a field of study that covers the practices and researches carried out to make organizations ready for changes and a learning system. From this perspective, as a result of organization development activities, many intervention methods have been put forward to keep organizations contemporary and agile in the historical process from the 1940s to the present day. These methods, called organization development intervention techniques, have played an important role in solving many organizational problems and learning innovative business processes. In this study, "sensitivity training" intervention method, which is used to improve interpersonal relationships through awareness raising and to strenghten group processes, will be discussed. Sensitivity training can be defined as a comprehensive laboratory study with T-group workshops, theoretical sessions, planned exercises and informal interaction development activities. The present study aims to provide a conceptual framework that includes the historical development, objectives, implementation and outcomes of sensitivity training and theoretical perspectives.