William H. Barber

Bio: William H. Barber is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Cognitive style. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 14 citations.

Transactions Between Consultants and Clients: A Taxonomy

Abstract: A rudimentary contingency model for analyzing transactions between clients and consultants is presented. Independent variables are "healer roles" taken by consultants, influence orientation and cognitive style of clients, and type of change problem. Predictions about fit among these variables suggest differential outcomes in terms of tension and stability in the working relationships between clients and consultants.

The Facilitation of Organizational Change: An Empirical Study of Factors Predicting Change Agents' Effectiveness

Abstract: This article presents the results of an investigation of whether the personality characteristics and behavioral tendencies of effective organization development (OD) consultants differ significantly from those of less effective ones. From an extensive review of the literature by the author and a panel of three judges, three categories of characteristics were derived for testing: openness and responsiveness to others' needs and concerns, comfort with ambiguity and the ability to make sense of it, and comfort with oneself in relation to others. The study subjects, 105 OD consultants in the U.S. Navy, completed three personality instruments. Peers, fellow consulting team members, and superiors of these consultants (also OD consultants) also rated the subjects' consulting effectiveness. Multivariate analyses showed a strong, significant relationship between consultant effectiveness and the characteristics assigned to the three categories. The results strongly support the hypotheses that the personality charac...

Contrasting Successful and Unsuccessful OD Consultation Relationships

Abstract: This study attempts to trace the development of the client-consultant relationship and isolate those characteristics that distinguish successful consultations from unsuccessful ones. Each of 20 org...

Exogenously driven CSR: insights from the consultants' perspective

Abstract: This paper offers insights into corporate social responsibility (CSR) consulting in Greece. It sheds light on perspectives of how socially responsible business conduct is shaped by consultancies in a national business environment where such an essential aspect of organizational commitment and behavior exhibits comparatively little resonance among companies and is primarily induced by supranational and international policy schemes as well as foreign competitors. Drawing from long interviews with consulting professionals, we explore key topics: the domestic CSR (consulting) industry's characteristics, issues pertaining to the engagement with clients, the endorsement of CSR standards and initiatives, along with the consultants' perspective on institutional dynamics and their prospects with respect to the future of CSR in Greece. In this context, we aim to indicate trends on CSR implementation, pressures exerted on consultants, and managerial attitudes towards corporate responsibility. Our findings illustrate an oligopolistically structured market that encourages consultancies to compete intensely, the consultants' limited capacity to influence the business behavior of their clients, with the latter to adopt a promotional communicative approach to CSR, as well as a lack of institutional coordination and mechanisms that will materially embed social responsibility in the strategic management of business.