Explores concerns over the direction the field of organizational behavior is developing. Karl Weick identifies approaches to theory building that are misleading. Peter Frost identifies blind spots in teaching and application. Walter Nord compares both papers. The authors offer their views on directions in which the field might move. (Author/BEF)

Describes frustration theory as useful for generalists in identification and specification of goals, assessment of blocks to goal attainment, problem solving, and formation of action systems. Proposes a theoretical base for understanding client systems, and helps workers to assess their behavior in relation to their professional and personal…

Virtually all counseling is governed by implicit contracts that define both treatment goals and procedures and the client-counselor relationship. Discusses the implications of both types of contracts for counselors, presents a rationale for making these contracts deliberate and overt, and suggests guidelines. (Author)

Draws a distinction between the concepts of personal growth and personal development through a linguistic analysis. Argues that the difference is vital in counselor training, where the emphasis should necessarily be on those aspects of personal development that are relevant to specific training objectives and client needs, rather than on the more…

American schools traditionally have been expected to have a role in students' affective development by encouraging positive development and preventing undesirable development. (MM)

Understanding rhythms of different groups enables group leaders to attune leadership to the specific goals of each group. Rhythms are recognized in variations of action, assessment, and assimilations. Rhythm models of groups for personal growth, therapy, and training, and theoretical concepts and dynamics of each group type are discussed. (Author)

Review of 20 studies comparing relative efficacy of individual and group contingencies found the former to be generally superior when academic performance was the targeted behavior. In contrast, no consistent differential effect was found when students' social response was the targeted behavior, yet increased verbal threats were reported during…

Most of the recent research identifying organizational characteristics that seem to make schools unusually effective has been conducted at the elementary level and may not be applicable to secondary schools. Research currently underway suggests that the basic organizational structures of elementary and secondary schools dictate two different…

Reviews results from controlled research data and evaluation of career development programs that include career planning and career management. Identifies elements of successful programs. Concludes match between individual career needs and organizational goals plays a vital role in the implementation of a successful program. (Author/TE)

This model provides recommendations for possible interventions by women consultants working with feminist organizations. The issues, although discussed in this context, are considered to have implications for any consultant to a group which operates from a strong ideological basis. Eight characteristics of feminist organizations that are relevant…

The full National Education Goals Report is a 246-page annual "report card" to the nation designed to focus on measurement: How well are we measuring up against the six national Goals? This 25-page executive summary is a companion document to the full report and attempts to compress its major findings. It is structured into three parts:…

Clients often enter vocational counseling with ideas about the career-development process that hinder their decision-making ability. Identifies some common irrational ideas and cites client statements that indicate adherence to these myths. Proposes a cognitive approach to assist counselors in confronting such myths. (Author)

Research in organizational development and ecological psychology has demonstrated the importance of viewing organizations from a systems perspective. Organizational innovations are planned, designed, and implemented in increasingly complex and dynamic ecosystems. This paper presents a model of organizational change which was developed using a…

Presents the argument that counseling is an instructional process and examines the implications of this position for counseling practice, counseling effectiveness research, and counselor training. An instructional counseling model for counselor training is described. (Author/RC)

The National Board of Inquiry on Schools conducted hearings in nine states to determine the extent to which equal educational opportunity has been achieved and to identify the areas in which additional efforts must be made. The study found several significant achievements and changes, but also found that inadequate funding and prejudicial…