„‚ CONDITIONS THAT HINDER EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

should be invited to participate in the planning and implementation of educational and
structural interventions (Alderfer, 1976; Beckhard & Harris, 1977; Beer, 1980).
Although a number of intervention strategies have been discussed, others are likely
to be discovered as these are implemented. It is critical that evaluation be conducted in
order to determine the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches. Evaluation
research should include interviews and questionnaires to assess the impact of changes in
systems and procedures or participation in educational events. As these data are
collected, they will provide the basis for further diagnosis and subsequent interventions.
More basic research should continue as well. We have only begun to understand the
psychological and structural factors that shape a person’s willingness and capacity to
initiate relationships with colleagues of another generation. There also is a gap in our
understanding of how to manage cross-sex and interracial dynamics in developmental
relationships; as we develop further insight, it will be possible to invent new strategies
for overcoming these significant obstacles. Similarly, as our understanding of mentoring
alternatives increases, interventions to enhance the range of relationship options
available to organizational members will evolve.
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The Pfeiffer Library Volume 6, 2nd Edition. Copyright ©1998 Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer