ks with an organizational system. The general theory of consultation is, therefore, an explanative model of how to best facilitate the system attaining those goals or objectives which necessitated the services of a consultant (Kurpius, Fugua & Rozecki, 1993).
Although models can differ regarding the process by which a consultant facilitates organizational goal/objective attainment, Kurpius, Fugua and Rozecki (1993) consultation theories to have six common steps in terms of consultation practice. These are:
(1) Preentry - The consultant engages in a self-assessment process to ensure that he/she is the right person for this particular organizational situation.
(2) Entry, Problem-Exploration, and Contracting - During this step, the consultant determines the nature of the problem. Kurpius, Fugua and Rozecki state that this step always requires considerable inquiry. Examples of questions that should be asked include:
...How do you know this is a problem? How did you reach this definition?...What have you already tried...Why do you think your interventions have failed? How will things be different when the problem is solved...What resources do you view as necessary to solve the problem...(p. 602)
(3) Information-Gathering, Problem Confirmation, and Goal-Setting - This step involves operationalizing the problem and collecting precise and accurate data regarding it. Also, goals are formulated as to when the problem will be solved.
(4) Solution Search and Intervention Selection - Here the consultant designs the interventions likely to resolve the problem. These interventions are then implemented.
(5) Evaluation - This stage involves collecting valid data which can be used to determine whether interventions yielded desired outcomes.
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