Following Bennis and Shepard's work, groups are thought to become preoccupied with problems of gaining reassurance about six basic human tasks in turn. One can show that these problems, called focal problems, have two forms, inclusive and narrowed, and that progressing through the problems requires three subphases. (Author/ABL)

Reviews literature concerning newcomers in groups in different settings. Presents a general model examining factors felt to be important for successful assimilation in group psychotherapy, i.e., overcoming resistance to join group, clarifying group process, examining client's in-group behavior, and confirming client's expectations. (BH)

Explores concerns over the direction the field of organizational behavior is developing. Karl Weick identifies approaches to theory building that are misleading. Peter Frost identifies blind spots in teaching and application. Walter Nord compares both papers. The authors offer their views on directions in which the field might move. (Author/BEF)