Employee Assistance and the Concept of Authority

Abstract

This article maintains that the employee assistance field, because it has jettisoned its heritage, hence its authority, is in danger of extinction or, at best, becoming no more than a pawn in the service of ideas and ideologies which have agendas of their own, all of which are inimical to traditional EAP practice. The article also explores how an understanding of the concepts of authority and tradition can help the field regain its former legitimacy and vitality and focus once again on three essential ideas—the troubled employee, the importance of management to effective EAP practice, and the concept of organizational development—all of which are essential to sound and effective employee assistance programs. Last but not least, the article suggests that the ultimate authority for employee assistance practice—and that which distinguishes the field from other efforts in the human services field—is the unique nature, structure, and purpose of the worksite.