While there are variations regarding the definition of OD, the basic purpose of organization development is to increase an organization's effectiveness through planned interventions related to the organization's processes (often company-wide), resulting in improvements in productivity, return on investment and employee satisfaction. Yet while OD and human resources may be viewed by some as competing disciplines, in fact, the overarching goal of these two fields is complementary: to promote and sustain organizational success.

Further illustrating the link between OD and HR is the fact that organizational assessments typically fall under the responsibility of HR and the principles and value of OD correspond with many aspects of the HR mission.