This study examines the usage and outcomes of organization development (OD)
interventions in multinational firms. We test competing hypotheses derived
from the cultural and institutional/isomorphic perspectives Data from firm
s operating in Hong Kong show that Western firms (U.S. and European) are mo
re receptive to OD interventions than Asian firms (local and Japanese), whi
ch supports the cultural explanation. However, the local isomorphism explan
ation is valid in predicting organizational outcomes that OD interventions
have similar effects regardless of a firm's country origins. Hence, neither
perspective alone is sufficient to explain both usage and outcomes. This i
mplies that local adaptation of OD interventions is a complex issue for man
aging multinational firms.