ABSTRACT
Over many years, there have been discussions about the distinction between expert and collaborative relationships in the consultation literature. Consultation relationships were seen as either collaborative, that is, two or more professionals, each with their own areas of expertise, working in a non-hierarchical relationship to resolve a problem – more like Schein’s process consultant, or as expert in which the consultant’s expertise is the source of the consultee’s acceptance of what the consultant has to offer – similar to Schein’s first two roles. Research on social power and actual change in teacher behavior remains limited, although Erchul et al. conclude that for behavioral consultants, soft power bases may be most effective. Developing a collaborative relationship in a helping situation is not simple. Given the critical need to save face in many helping relationships, both by the consultant and the consultee, there must be a sense of trust between them.
