The Art and Science of OD: Key Insights from Cluj

Published on March 28, 2025

The Art and Science of OD: Key Insights from Cluj 

On February 6, OD Network Europe and CDM hosted a transformative event at Bosch Engineering Center Cluj, bringing together over 60 professionals to explore Organizational Development (OD) through the lens of experienced leaders. The event featured two distinguished speakers: Carmen Petcu, General Manager of De'Longhi Romania, and Tobias Matter, Director of Bosch Engineering Center Cluj. 

Accountability Beyond Hierarchies 

Carmen Petcu shared her insights on the importance of responsibility and accountability within organizations. She emphasized the role of transitory project structures involving cross-functional teams as a key strategy for breaking down silos and fostering collective ownership. By encouraging collaboration across departments, OD promotes a culture of co-creation and shared responsibility, which is essential for sustainable change in large organizations. Her message was clear: OD is about facilitating dialogue, encouraging co-creation, and promoting collective ownership over change initiatives. 

Trust as a Strategic Asset 

Tobias Matter discussed trust as one of the most powerful drivers of organizational success. He highlighted how trust is foundational to solid relationships and authentic collaboration. In the context of OD, trust supports humanistic values such as respect, transparency, and ethical leadership. It also enhances systemic thinking, improving connections across departments and enabling adaptability. Moreover, he emphasized that sustainable change requires a solid foundation of trust to ensure commitment and accountability. Trust, he noted, is not just a soft skill—it is a strategic asset that drives long-term success. 

Fostering Collaboration and Engagement 

The event, organized in collaboration with the Center for Development in Management (CDM), sparked rich discussions and meaningful networking among participants. It served as a great opportunity to share insights and explore potential collaborations, underscoring the growing role of OD in driving organizational transformation. 

The Growing OD Community 

The event highlighted the importance of connecting with other OD professionals and staying engaged with the latest trends. As OD professionals, we have a unique opportunity to foster change across diverse industries by building networks and sharing knowledge. 

How can we, as OD professionals, foster trust and resilience across diverse industries? Would you be interested in joining us in Romania to engage with this growing OD community? 
Let’s keep the conversation going!