Reaching the Impaired Professional: Applying Findings from Organizational and Occupational Research

Abstract

This paper argues that constructive confrontation strategy is an effective technique for identifying alcoholic and other troubled professionals. The research on constructive confrontation in work organizations and occupations is reviewed and applied to the professions. Currently, there is little empirical research on reaching the impaired professional; consequently, qualitative studies need to be undertaken in order to fully describe and understand how assistance programs actually work with impaired professionals.