The Practice of Organizational Diagnosis: Theory & Methods presents a new paradigm for examining the intergroup dynamics of organizations by combining the procedures of organizational diagnosis with the theory of embedded intergroup relations. In this volume, Alderfer explains the relevance of the paradigm concept for the present work, shows the importance of intergroup relations in the formative organization studies, reviews extant modes of organizational diagnosis, and demonstrates the limitations of interpersonal and intra-group theories. He then presents the five laws of embedded intergroup relations as a response to the problems associated with the earlier work. After comparing and contrasting alterative group level theories and explaining the several meanings of empirical support, the author describes the empirical basis of the five laws. Based on examining alternative codes of professional conduct and applying the five laws, he provides his prescriptions for the ethical basis of sound diagnostic practice. With the theory and ethical position in place, he then explains procedures for conducting each phase of organizational diagnosis: entry, data collection, data analysis, and feedback. He follows that by reporting the empirical bases for the methods used in the four phases. The volume concludes by describing the courses and educational processes essential for educating people to conduct organizational diagnoses. A recurring theme from beginning to end is that the lawfulness of human behavior in relation to organizations is as applicable to diagnosticians, whether working alone or in teams, as it is to their clients. By addressing theory, method, data, and values, the volume presents a complete paradigm for organizational diagnosis.

About the Author
Clay Alderfer is widely recognized for his formulation of two influential theories that have influenced education and practice in the field of management, the Existence, Relatedness, and Growth theory, and the embedded inter-group relations theory. Dr. Alderfer held senior faculty appointments at Yale University's School of Organization and Management and Rutgers University's Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology before forming the consulting firm Alderfer & Associates in 2006.

Reviews
The Practice of Organizational Diagnosis: Theory and Methods is an important text for any student in organizational studies and organizational diagnosis. * American Psychological Association *
Scholars who teach and research aspects of organizational change will find this volume, used slowly and carefully, a multilayered education for themselves and their students about the useful theory and practice of professional diagnosis. * William A. Kahn, Boston University *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199743223
Author Clayton Alderfer
Format Hardback
Page Count 560
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 921g
Dimensions(mm) 163mm * 236mm * 36mm