This comparison draws in part from “Thinking Outside the Box: Recruiting & Retaining Staff in these Challenging Times” by Erin Mayberry, BCBA (BehaviorLive), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For thinking outside the box: recruiting & retaining staff in these challenging times, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Candidate Pool Characteristics | Active Recruiting: Candidates actively seeking change; variable experience; may include those dissatisfied with current position | Passive Recruiting: Currently employed, often satisfied; typically more experience; attracted by specific opportunity fit |
| Time to Hire | Active Recruiting: Faster — active candidates move through the hiring process more quickly because they are motivated to start | Passive Recruiting: Slower — passive candidates require more relationship development before committing to a change |
| Retention Outcomes | Active Recruiting: Variable — candidates who were dissatisfied in their previous role may leave again when similar conditions arise | Passive Recruiting: Generally better — candidates who were not looking chose this opportunity specifically; tend toward longer tenure |
| Resource Requirements | Active Recruiting: Financial cost (job board fees, advertising); lower relationship investment required | Passive Recruiting: Relationship investment (university partnerships, referral culture, social media presence); lower direct financial cost |
| Scalability | Active Recruiting: Highly scalable — can increase spend and volume quickly when positions open | Passive Recruiting: Less rapidly scalable — relationships and reputation take time to build; pipeline benefits accrue over years |
| Competitive Differentiation | Active Recruiting: Low differentiation — every agency uses the same platforms; competing primarily on compensation and job description | Passive Recruiting: High differentiation — agencies with strong university reputations and referral cultures are not easily replicated by competitors |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching thinking outside the box: recruiting & retaining staff in these challenging times in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
Thinking Outside the Box: Recruiting & Retaining Staff in these Challenging Times — Erin Mayberry · 0 BACB General CEUs · $0
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
BACB General CEUs · $0 · BehaviorLive
Research-backed educational guide
Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.