Employee assistance programs in Canada : relationships between organizational design and staffing

This thesis identifies and describes the relationships observed in the staffing of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) in Canada. Employing the standards of EAP staffing recently published {Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA), 1990; Employee Assistance Society of North American {EASNA}, 1990; Myers, 1984; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1988), the data compiles baseline information about the structure and operation of EAPs in Canada, along with staff characteristics. Analysis of the data reveals significant relationships between the individual's personal background {educational and professional training) and the characteristics of the EAP program in which the person is employed. The data reveals a diverse professional body providing EAP services in Canada. Although no definitive relationship emerges indicating a specific training background requisite for the Employee Assistance Professional, the data suggests that EAP staff receive training primarily in other occupations before entering the EAP arena. Data also supports the primacy of personal characteristics of EAP staff affecting the operations and design of the EAP.