调动 (diàodòng) is a verb meaning 'to mobilize' or 'to transfer (personnel)'. It combines 调 (diào), which means 'to arrange, assign, or adjust', and 动 (dòng), meaning 'to move or act'. Together, they convey the idea of moving people or resources purposefully — either by reassigning staff within an organization or by activating forces, teams, or equipment for a specific task. The word carries a formal, administrative tone and is commonly used in workplace, governmental, or institutional contexts.

In personnel management, 调动 often refers to internal job transfers — such as shifting an employee from one department or city to another. In broader usage, it can describe mobilizing resources: troops, volunteers, funds, or emergency supplies. Unlike casual verbs like 换 (to change) or 搬 (to move physically), 调动 implies official authorization, planning, and functional purpose — not just physical relocation.