Forgotten Elements: Including Structure and Process in Recovery Efforts

Jane Moosbruker
Organization Development Consultant, 72 Coventry Wood Road, Bolton, MA 01740; Jamoos@Ziplink.net
Devra G. Kleiman*
Senior Research Scientist, National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution, 3001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008-2598
*Current Address: Conservation International, 1919 M St. NW, Washington DC 20036;
D.Kleiman@conservation.org

Abstract
Survival of endangered species requires both the best science can offer and the best
human collaboration possible. The focus is often on the former while the latter may be
neglected. The authors interviewed coordinators of U.S. endangered species recovery
programs involving captive breeding concerning the human dimensions of their pro-grams. The findings show some weaknesses in the use of organizational structures, group
processes, leadership and teamwork skills, recognition, and intra and inter-organiza-tional mechanisms to support these programs. The paper presents data from the inter-views and discusses these behavioral science concepts. The respondents value the
collaborative programs and want more, not less, interaction in the future. They, however,
also need help in improving their skills in these 'soft' areas.