Ph.D., Yale
Clayton P. Alderfer was professor II in the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) organizational psychology doctoral program from 1992-2006. From 1992-2004, he
served as director of the program. During the first part of his career, he studied human needs in organizations and formulated the theory of existence, relatedness, and growth (ERG), which is frequently cited in management textbooks. During the second portion, he developed
the theory of embedded intergroup relations and the methodology of
organizational diagnosis based on that theory.
As a member of race- and gender-balanced consulting teams, Dr. Alderfer participated in one
organization's 17-year program of research and intervention to change
race relations and in other efforts of shorter duration. He consults
about effective authority, team development, and intergroup relations with senior executives in
public, private, and nonprofit organizations. In 2003, he completed a 14-year term as editor of the Journal of Applied and Behavioral Science and received a special award from the NTL Institute for that work. His research spans more than 30 years and pertains to intergroup relations in organizations.
In 1997, Division 3 of the American Psychological Association gave him the Harry Levinson Award
for Excellence in organizational consultation, and, in 1999, Columbia University's Teachers College selected him to receive the Janet Helms Award for
research and education about race relations. At GSAPP, he developed and taught
courses on foundations of organizational psychology, supervision of
organizational psychology, observation and interviewing for organizations, group psychology of organizations,
experiential group dynamics and diversity, and organizational diagnosis. Currently, he is completing a major volume entitled Intergroup Relations and Organizational Diagnosis and developing the consulting firm Alderfer & Associates.
