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More of the same? A dual case study approach to examining change momentum in the public sector
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 15:16 authored by Barker, L, McKeown, T, Wolfram Cox, J, Melanie BryantMelanie BryantDespite the significant amount of change experienced by the public sector, there has been relatively limited empirical examination of how change agendas affect public sector employees in Australia. This article presents a comparative analysis of two Australian public sector organisations that implemented the same positive work change agenda, but experienced very different outcomes. Using a critical realist approach, we draw on a mix of qualitative techniques to suggest that textbook notions of ‘successful change’, which are often derived from large private sector expectations, may fail to capture the complex nature of how public sector change initiatives may unfold. In particular, we demonstrate how political, temporal, contextual, and process factors interact to shift change momentum. Illustrative examples are provided throughout and the findings are discussed in terms of their implications for theory building, for change facilitation, and for future research.
History
Publication title
Australian Journal of Public AdministrationVolume
77Pagination
253-271ISSN
0313-6647Department/School
TSBEPublisher
Blackwell Publ LtdPlace of publication
108 Cowley Rd, Oxford, England, Oxon, Ox4 1JfRights statement
Copyright ?2018 Institute of Public Administration AustraliaRepository Status
- Restricted