PUTTING ORGANIZATIONAL-EFFECTIVENESS INTO PRACTICE - THE PREEMINENT CONSULTATION TASK

Successful consultation relies on the consultant's ability to conceptu alize the operations of the total organization. An overview of the the oretical and practical applications of the construct ''organizational effectiveness'' (OE) is presented in relation to consultation. Barrier s limiting earlier conceptualizations and applications of the construc t are identified and discussed A model of OE that melds open systems, organizational, and consultation theories is presented as a tool for g uiding maximally beneficial consultation interventions. The implicatio ns of this model for consultation practice, advancing theory and resea rch, and professional ethics are discussed.