W HiLE FEW STUDIES of psychopathology have been concerned with psychomotor functions in comparison with the emphasis upon perceptual and verbal processes, some recent findings indicate that this neglect is not justified Peters and Jenkins (8) have used psychomotor problem-solving as a therapeutic approach to chronic schizophrenics H E King (4) has compared the performance of several groups of neuropsychiatric subjects with a group of normals on a series of simple psychomotor tasks, finding a direct relationship between impaired performance and degree of neuropsychiatric illness He concludes on the basis of his results that "the psychomotor capacity appears to be disturbed in a fundamental sense m the behavior disorders As such, it is a reflection of defect at the core, rather than in the periphery, of mind and mental processes" (p 156) Skinner and his associates (2, 6) have investigated the behavior of chronic psychotics with the methods of operant conditioning that were developed for the study of lower organisms A remforced operant response is viewed as a behavioral unit that manipulates part of the environment, representing as such "adjustive behavior " Usmg modified vending machines in small experimental rooms, they have studied the quanitity and regularity of operant behavior of psychotics under a variety of conditions Their most consistent finding 'From the Veterans Adnunistration Hospital, Battle Creek, Michigan
This article presents a frame of reference that compares and contrasts beginning consultants' academic preparation with the real-world demands of successjul membership in organizational consulting firms. It also specifies target areas that must be addressed in consultants' adaptation to their firms, their clients, and their consulting practices. Five approaches a firm can take in providing orientation, training, and guidance to new consultants are discussed. The article concludes with reference to several elements of the career-long pursuit of professional development necessary to maintain excellence as a consultant.David W. Merrell, former vice president for training, recruitment, and publications and a director of RHR International Company, was based in Stamford, Connecticut. After 30 years with that firm, he now writes from retirement in Gilford, New Hampshire.Richard G. Weigel was employed by RHR International Company for more than a decade and served as manager of its Denver office. A past president of the Division of Consulting Psychology, he currently is interim vice president for student affairs and a professor at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.Thanks are due to Jean F. Anderson for her creative and editorial assistance.
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