ABSTRACT
In every aspect of Development Consultation, we assume that there are different levels of meaning in the process by which we are engaging our clients. We start every piece of work with a client by discussing among ourselves the information we have about the problem in the organization. We use this information to construct a preliminary hypothesis to guide the planning of the consultation. Typical of our consultations is one in which we have begun with an interview with the whole group or 'significant system'. A fundamental aspect of our approach to consultation is the examination of the connection between the individual and the organization, and we explore this systemically in the form of a systemic interview. In this interview, we use specific techniques, such as various kinds of circular questioning, which are designed to investigate this connectedness or reciprocity; and, in doineso release the potential for new ideas and change in behaviour.
