David Rosenbaum - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by David Rosenbaum

Research paper thumbnail of Understanding Organisational Risks and Opportunities Associated with Implementing Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme from the Nonprofit Service Provider Perspective—Findings from Quantitative Research

Journal of Risk and Financial Management

In this paper, we provide useful lessons from a quantitative analysis across several nonprofit or... more In this paper, we provide useful lessons from a quantitative analysis across several nonprofit organisations undergoing generational change due to the implementation of the Australian government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This paper contributes to the field in demonstrating the usefulness of the approach in revealing how change has to occur at both the micro and macro levels of the organisations involved, affecting both followers and transforming leadership, whilst simultaneously reinforcing the need to address the strategic and operational risks inherent in such transformational change. It represents a follow-up to an earlier published longitudinal qualitative research and provides further evidence on the key findings associated with the development of the NDIS Implementation Framework. The current paper considers the importance of the risk and opportunity conundrum associated with the implementation of the NDIS among Australian nonprofit service providers. This...

Research paper thumbnail of Higher Education Research Collaboration to Enhance Knowledge Management: An Example of Collaborative Change Management Research with the Australian Nonprofit Disability Sector

Change Management: An International Journal, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Guest editorial: Contextualising leadershipthe impact of strategy and culture in healthcare and disability services

Leadership and Health Services, 2023

An overview of leadership In this Special Issue of the Journal of Leadership in Health Services, ... more An overview of leadership In this Special Issue of the Journal of Leadership in Health Services, we seek to focus on both the challenges and opportunities of transformational change within healthcare and disability services, and bring into sharp focus the leadership attributes necessary for sustainable change in this sector: When more people flex their leadership muscles and find the courage to take on big problems, they exude the optimism of activism. That positive energy can be contagious and can unite us in new ways. By undertaking the daunting, yet meaningful, task of making a difference in the world, advanced leaders can transform the lives of many peopleincluding the leaders themselves (Moss Kanter, 2021, p. 1).

Research paper thumbnail of A longitudinal qualitative case study of change in nonprofits: Suggesting a new approach to the management of change

Journal of Management & Organisations, 2017

Existing change management models have been developed from research undertaken largely within the... more Existing change management models have been developed from research undertaken largely within the for-profit sector, with little reference to the unique challenges of the nonprofit sector. This article identifies a number of characteristics of change management that may be unique to the nonprofit sector. The research sought to understand change from the perspective of those within the sector who experienced it using Grounded Theory in a rich single case study as the methodology, applying an inductive reasoning approach to the development of theory. Results point to the impact of four key characteristics that require a more substantial focus in planned change models when applied to nonprofits. These include formal reflection for change agents and change recipients, development of trust, and confidence in the organisation before the actual change, focussing on the individual experience of change, and the sequencing of events from a planning perspective.

Research paper thumbnail of Risk and Opportunity-The Leadership Challenge in a World of Uncertainty-Learnings from Research into the Implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme

Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 2021

This paper considers the risks and opportunities inherent in a major national change process thro... more This paper considers the risks and opportunities inherent in a major national change process through a descriptive approach to the implementation challenges for Australian nonprofit disability service providers as they grapple with the implementation of the transformational National Disability Insurance Scheme (‘NDIS’). It highlights the leadership challenges associated with the newly developed NDIS Implementation Framework (Rosenbaum and More 2021), and, in doing so, recognises the risk and opportunity issues contained with that implementation process. The research used grounded theory coupled with framework analysis in a qualitative study that, in part, sought to identify leadership characteristics deemed necessary to minimize risks, capitalize on opportunities, and support positive change outcomes leading to successful NDIS implementations amongst several participating organisations, each with differing demographics and at different stages in the implementation process. The findings, which have been grouped into Phases, suggest a range of leadership attributes at key phases of the NDIS implementation that are necessary to minimise implementation risks and maximise opportunities associated with the NDIS. These phases have been identified as: (i) An input phase where the emphasis must be on internal change preparedness and external environmental impacts and drivers; (ii) A process phase where the emphasis is on direct implementation issues; and (iii) An outcomes phase where active consideration needs to be on organisational mission sustainability as well as the risk and opportunity challenge. The study is crucial in revealing leadershi challenges and lessons for large scale change and risk management in the nonprofit sector, within and beyond the specific case of Australia’s NDIS implementation, useful for both scholars and practitioners.

Keywords: change management; nonprofits; grounded theory; framework analysis; risk; trans-formational leadership; servant leadership

Research paper thumbnail of Complex change in the Australian Nonprofit Sector

Change Management: An International Journal, 2021

The implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme has presented transform... more The implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme has presented transformational change management challenges for many nonprofit disability service providers. Using grounded theory as the principle methodological approach in a pilot study in two organisations, our research has focused on three principal objectives. First, to identify prevailing approaches to managing organisational change; second, to inform the nonprofit disability services sector on strategies that could improve organisational change processes and outcomes, and finally, inform public policy on the implications of change for this sector. Key findings include the need to develop pro-active structured external communication and engagement frameworks; the development of appropriate emotional support mechanisms for front-line service delivery staff, and the use of sector-specific approaches to change management.

Research paper thumbnail of Organization Science and Implementation Science: Working these together to enhance impact

Research paper thumbnail of Complex Change in the Australian Nonprofit Sector

Change Management: An International Journal, 2021

The implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme has presented transform... more The implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme has presented transformational change management challenges for many nonprofit disability service providers. Using grounded theory as the principle methodological approach in a pilot study in two organizations, our research has focused on three principal objectives: first, to identify prevailing approaches to managing organizational change; second, to inform the nonprofit disability services sector on strategies that could improve organizational change processes and outcomes; and finally, to inform public policy on the implications of change for this sector. Key findings include the need to develop pro-active structured external communication and engagement frameworks; the development of appropriate emotional support mechanisms for front-line service delivery staff; and the use of sector-specific approaches to change management.

Research paper thumbnail of A longitudinal qualitative case study of change in nonprofits: Suggesting a new approach to the management of change

Journal of Management & Organization, 2016

Existing change management models have been developed from research undertaken largely within the... more Existing change management models have been developed from research undertaken largely within the for-profit sector, with little reference to the unique challenges of the nonprofit sector. This article identifies a number of characteristics of change management that may be unique to the nonprofit sector. The research sought to understand change from the perspective of those within the sector who experienced it using Grounded Theory in a rich single case study as the methodology, applying an inductive reasoning approach to the development of theory. Results point to the impact of four key characteristics that require a more substantial focus in planned change models when applied to nonprofits. These include formal reflection for change agents and change recipients, development of trust, and confidence in the organisation before the actual change, focussing on the individual experience of change, and the sequencing of events from a planning perspective.

Research paper thumbnail of Applying Grounded Theory to Investigating Change Management in the Nonprofit Sector

SAGE Open, 2016

Grounded theory is well supported as a qualitative research method that historically responded to... more Grounded theory is well supported as a qualitative research method that historically responded to the epistemological challenges of defining knowledge and determining how it has been acquired. While its historical and unique methodological underpinnings remain consistent, its ongoing application and methods of execution continue to expand its use. The consideration of using grounded theory by researchers embodies the need to explore the methodology and thereafter seek to develop the method that reflects the researcher’s skills, the research setting, and the research aims. This article sets out a particular method of applying it to the study of change management using a rich single case study in the nonprofit sector. Key findings are that nonprofit specific change management models may need to incorporate a focus on formal reflection for change agents and change recipients, development of trust and confidence in the organization prior to the actual change, focusing on the individual ...

Research paper thumbnail of Action Learning Intervention as a Change Management Strategy in the Disability Services Sector – A Case Study

Alarj, Jul 24, 2013

The not-for-profit disability services sector faces many challenges. The shift in funding arrange... more The not-for-profit disability services sector faces many challenges. The shift in funding arrangements from a supply-model, to a demand-model, has triggered the reassessment of organisational activity. This paper analyses these challenges, and seeks to study the application of Action Learning as a management tool for dealing with transformational change in this sector. The Action Learning approach implemented in this case study focused on the unique organisational characteristics with regard culture, structure, and the organisational response to the depth of the challenge. In so doing, the organisation recognised the requirements to respond decisively as a result of the shifting funding paradigm. Evidence was obtained regarding successful intervention outcomes, organisationally and personnel-wise. The former being a wide array of organisational and business initiatives, and the latter through the qualitative assessment of participant feedback. This paper provides insight into the development of an Action Learning intervention that can be applied to organisations in this sector, to facilitate such change challenges.

Research paper thumbnail of Risk and Opportunity—The Leadership Challenge in a World of Uncertainty—Learnings from Research into the Implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme

Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 2021

This paper considers the risks and opportunities inherent in a major national change process thro... more This paper considers the risks and opportunities inherent in a major national change process through a descriptive approach to the implementation challenges for Australian non-profit disability service providers as they grapple with the implementation of the transformational National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It highlights the leadership challenges associated with the newly developed NDIS Implementation Framework and, in doing so, recognises the risk and opportunity issues contained with that implementation process. The research used grounded theory coupled with framework analysis in a qualitative study that, in part, sought to identify leadership characteristics deemed necessary to minimize risks, capitalize on opportunities, and support positive change outcomes leading to successful NDIS implementations amongst several participating organisations, each with differing demographics and at different stages in the implementation process. The findings, which have been grouped...

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of Reflection in Planned Organizational Change

Change Management: An International Journal

Research paper thumbnail of Complex Change in the Australian Nonprofit Sector

Change Management: An International Journal, 2021

The implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme has presented transform... more The implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme has presented transformational change management challenges for many nonprofit disability service providers. Using grounded theory as the principle methodological approach in a pilot study in two organizations, our research has focused on three principal objectives: first, to identify prevailing approaches to managing organizational change; second, to inform the nonprofit disability services sector on strategies that could improve organizational change processes and outcomes; and finally, to inform public policy on the implications of change for this sector. Key findings include the need to develop pro-active structured external communication and engagement frameworks; the development of appropriate emotional support mechanisms for front-line service delivery staff; and the use of sector-specific approaches to change management.

Research paper thumbnail of Organization Science and Implementation Science: Working these together to enhance impact

Research paper thumbnail of Journal of Organizational Change Management Planned organisational change management: Forward to the past? An exploratory literature review Article information

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the development of planned organisational chan... more Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the development of planned organisational change models
(POCMs) since Lewin’s three-step model and to highlight key linkages between them.
Design/methodology/approach – A total of 13 commonly used POCMs were identified and connections
with Lewin’s three-step framework and associated process attributes were made, reflecting the connections
between these models and Lewin.
Findings – The findings show that first Lewin’s three-step model represents a framework for planned
change; however, these steps could not be viewed in isolation of other interrelated processes, including action
research, group dynamics, and force field analysis. These process steps underpin the iterative aspects of his
model. Second, all 13 POCMs have clearly identified linkages to Lewin, suggesting that the ongoing
development of POCMs is more of an exercise in developing ongoing procedural steps to support change
within the existing framework of the three-step model.
Research limitations/implications – The authors recognise that the inclusion of additional POCMs
would help strengthen linkages to Lewin. The findings from this paper refocus attention on the three-step
model, suggesting its ongoing centrality in planned organisational change rather than it being dismissed as
an historical approach from which more recently developed models have become more relevant.
Practical implications – This paper presents opportunities for organisational change management
researchers to challenge their thinking with regard to the ongoing search for model refinement, and for
practitioners in the design and structure of POCM.
Originality/value – An analysis of the ongoing relevance of Lewin and his linkage with modern POCMs
assist in rationalising the broadening, and often confusing literature on change. This paper therefore not only
contributes to filtering such literature, but also helps clarify the myriad of POCMs and their use.

Research paper thumbnail of Applying Grounded Theory to Investigating Change Management in the Nonprofit Sector.pdf

Grounded theory is well supported as a qualitative research method that historically responded to... more Grounded theory is well supported as a qualitative research method that historically responded to the epistemological
challenges of defining knowledge and determining how it has been acquired. While its historical and unique methodological
underpinnings remain consistent, its ongoing application and methods of execution continue to expand its use. The
consideration of using grounded theory by researchers embodies the need to explore the methodology and thereafter seek
to develop the method that reflects the researcher’s skills, the research setting, and the research aims. This article sets out
a particular method of applying it to the study of change management using a rich single case study in the nonprofit sector.
Key findings are that nonprofit specific change management models may need to incorporate a focus on formal reflection
for change agents and change recipients, development of trust and confidence in the organization prior to the actual change,
focusing on the individual experience of change, and recognizing the sequencing of events from a planning perspective.

Research paper thumbnail of A longitudinal qualitative case study of change in nonprofits: Suggesting a new approach to the management of change

Existing change management models have been developed from research undertaken largely within the... more Existing change management models have been developed from research undertaken largely within the for-profit sector, with little reference to the unique challenges of the nonprofit sector. This article identifies a number of characteristics of change management that may be unique to the nonprofit sector. The research sought to understand change from the perspective of those within the sector who experienced it using Grounded Theory in a rich single case study as the methodology, applying an inductive reasoning approach to the development of theory. Results point to the impact of four key characteristics that require a more substantial focus in planned change models when applied to nonprofits. These include formal reflection for change agents and change recipients, development of trust, and confidence in the organisation before the actual change, focussing on the individual experience of change, and the sequencing of events from a planning perspective.

Research paper thumbnail of Action Learning Intervention as a Change Management Strategy in the Disability Services Sector – A Case Study

The not-for-profit disability services sector faces many challenges. The shift in funding arrange... more The not-for-profit disability services sector faces many challenges. The shift in funding arrangements from a supply-model, to a demand-model, has triggered the reassessment of organisational activity. This paper analyses these challenges, and seeks to study the application of Action Learning as a management tool for dealing with transformational change in this sector. The Action Learning approach implemented in this case study focused on the unique organisational characteristics with regard culture, structure, and the organisational response to the depth of the challenge. In so doing, the organisation recognised the requirements to respond decisively as a result of the shifting funding paradigm. Evidence was obtained regarding successful intervention outcomes, organisationally and personnel-wise. The former being a wide array of organisational and business initiatives, and the latter through the qualitative assessment of participant feedback. This paper provides insight into the development of an Action Learning intervention that can be applied to organisations in this sector, to facilitate such change challenges.

Research paper thumbnail of Action Learning Intervention as a Change Management Strategy in the Disability Services Sector - A Case Study

The not-for-profit disability services sector faces many challenges. The shift in funding arrange... more The not-for-profit disability services sector faces many challenges. The shift in funding arrangements from a supply-model, to a demand-model, has triggered the reassessment of organisational activity. This paper analyses these challenges, and seeks to study the application of Action Learning as a management tool for dealing with transformational change in this sector. The Action Learning approach implemented in this case study focused on the unique organisational characteristics with regard culture, structure, and the organisational response to the depth of the challenge. In so doing, the organisation recognised the requirements to respond decisively as a result of the shifting funding paradigm. Evidence was obtained regarding successful intervention outcomes, organisationally and personnel-wise. The former being a wide array of organisational and business initiatives, and the latter through the qualitative assessment of participant feedback. This paper provides insight into the development of an Action Learning intervention that can be applied to organisations in this sector, to facilitate such change challenges.

Research paper thumbnail of Understanding Organisational Risks and Opportunities Associated with Implementing Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme from the Nonprofit Service Provider Perspective—Findings from Quantitative Research

Journal of Risk and Financial Management

In this paper, we provide useful lessons from a quantitative analysis across several nonprofit or... more In this paper, we provide useful lessons from a quantitative analysis across several nonprofit organisations undergoing generational change due to the implementation of the Australian government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This paper contributes to the field in demonstrating the usefulness of the approach in revealing how change has to occur at both the micro and macro levels of the organisations involved, affecting both followers and transforming leadership, whilst simultaneously reinforcing the need to address the strategic and operational risks inherent in such transformational change. It represents a follow-up to an earlier published longitudinal qualitative research and provides further evidence on the key findings associated with the development of the NDIS Implementation Framework. The current paper considers the importance of the risk and opportunity conundrum associated with the implementation of the NDIS among Australian nonprofit service providers. This...

Research paper thumbnail of Higher Education Research Collaboration to Enhance Knowledge Management: An Example of Collaborative Change Management Research with the Australian Nonprofit Disability Sector

Change Management: An International Journal, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Guest editorial: Contextualising leadershipthe impact of strategy and culture in healthcare and disability services

Leadership and Health Services, 2023

An overview of leadership In this Special Issue of the Journal of Leadership in Health Services, ... more An overview of leadership In this Special Issue of the Journal of Leadership in Health Services, we seek to focus on both the challenges and opportunities of transformational change within healthcare and disability services, and bring into sharp focus the leadership attributes necessary for sustainable change in this sector: When more people flex their leadership muscles and find the courage to take on big problems, they exude the optimism of activism. That positive energy can be contagious and can unite us in new ways. By undertaking the daunting, yet meaningful, task of making a difference in the world, advanced leaders can transform the lives of many peopleincluding the leaders themselves (Moss Kanter, 2021, p. 1).

Research paper thumbnail of A longitudinal qualitative case study of change in nonprofits: Suggesting a new approach to the management of change

Journal of Management & Organisations, 2017

Existing change management models have been developed from research undertaken largely within the... more Existing change management models have been developed from research undertaken largely within the for-profit sector, with little reference to the unique challenges of the nonprofit sector. This article identifies a number of characteristics of change management that may be unique to the nonprofit sector. The research sought to understand change from the perspective of those within the sector who experienced it using Grounded Theory in a rich single case study as the methodology, applying an inductive reasoning approach to the development of theory. Results point to the impact of four key characteristics that require a more substantial focus in planned change models when applied to nonprofits. These include formal reflection for change agents and change recipients, development of trust, and confidence in the organisation before the actual change, focussing on the individual experience of change, and the sequencing of events from a planning perspective.

Research paper thumbnail of Risk and Opportunity-The Leadership Challenge in a World of Uncertainty-Learnings from Research into the Implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme

Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 2021

This paper considers the risks and opportunities inherent in a major national change process thro... more This paper considers the risks and opportunities inherent in a major national change process through a descriptive approach to the implementation challenges for Australian nonprofit disability service providers as they grapple with the implementation of the transformational National Disability Insurance Scheme (‘NDIS’). It highlights the leadership challenges associated with the newly developed NDIS Implementation Framework (Rosenbaum and More 2021), and, in doing so, recognises the risk and opportunity issues contained with that implementation process. The research used grounded theory coupled with framework analysis in a qualitative study that, in part, sought to identify leadership characteristics deemed necessary to minimize risks, capitalize on opportunities, and support positive change outcomes leading to successful NDIS implementations amongst several participating organisations, each with differing demographics and at different stages in the implementation process. The findings, which have been grouped into Phases, suggest a range of leadership attributes at key phases of the NDIS implementation that are necessary to minimise implementation risks and maximise opportunities associated with the NDIS. These phases have been identified as: (i) An input phase where the emphasis must be on internal change preparedness and external environmental impacts and drivers; (ii) A process phase where the emphasis is on direct implementation issues; and (iii) An outcomes phase where active consideration needs to be on organisational mission sustainability as well as the risk and opportunity challenge. The study is crucial in revealing leadershi challenges and lessons for large scale change and risk management in the nonprofit sector, within and beyond the specific case of Australia’s NDIS implementation, useful for both scholars and practitioners.

Keywords: change management; nonprofits; grounded theory; framework analysis; risk; trans-formational leadership; servant leadership

Research paper thumbnail of Complex change in the Australian Nonprofit Sector

Change Management: An International Journal, 2021

The implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme has presented transform... more The implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme has presented transformational change management challenges for many nonprofit disability service providers. Using grounded theory as the principle methodological approach in a pilot study in two organisations, our research has focused on three principal objectives. First, to identify prevailing approaches to managing organisational change; second, to inform the nonprofit disability services sector on strategies that could improve organisational change processes and outcomes, and finally, inform public policy on the implications of change for this sector. Key findings include the need to develop pro-active structured external communication and engagement frameworks; the development of appropriate emotional support mechanisms for front-line service delivery staff, and the use of sector-specific approaches to change management.

Research paper thumbnail of Organization Science and Implementation Science: Working these together to enhance impact

Research paper thumbnail of Complex Change in the Australian Nonprofit Sector

Change Management: An International Journal, 2021

The implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme has presented transform... more The implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme has presented transformational change management challenges for many nonprofit disability service providers. Using grounded theory as the principle methodological approach in a pilot study in two organizations, our research has focused on three principal objectives: first, to identify prevailing approaches to managing organizational change; second, to inform the nonprofit disability services sector on strategies that could improve organizational change processes and outcomes; and finally, to inform public policy on the implications of change for this sector. Key findings include the need to develop pro-active structured external communication and engagement frameworks; the development of appropriate emotional support mechanisms for front-line service delivery staff; and the use of sector-specific approaches to change management.

Research paper thumbnail of A longitudinal qualitative case study of change in nonprofits: Suggesting a new approach to the management of change

Journal of Management & Organization, 2016

Existing change management models have been developed from research undertaken largely within the... more Existing change management models have been developed from research undertaken largely within the for-profit sector, with little reference to the unique challenges of the nonprofit sector. This article identifies a number of characteristics of change management that may be unique to the nonprofit sector. The research sought to understand change from the perspective of those within the sector who experienced it using Grounded Theory in a rich single case study as the methodology, applying an inductive reasoning approach to the development of theory. Results point to the impact of four key characteristics that require a more substantial focus in planned change models when applied to nonprofits. These include formal reflection for change agents and change recipients, development of trust, and confidence in the organisation before the actual change, focussing on the individual experience of change, and the sequencing of events from a planning perspective.

Research paper thumbnail of Applying Grounded Theory to Investigating Change Management in the Nonprofit Sector

SAGE Open, 2016

Grounded theory is well supported as a qualitative research method that historically responded to... more Grounded theory is well supported as a qualitative research method that historically responded to the epistemological challenges of defining knowledge and determining how it has been acquired. While its historical and unique methodological underpinnings remain consistent, its ongoing application and methods of execution continue to expand its use. The consideration of using grounded theory by researchers embodies the need to explore the methodology and thereafter seek to develop the method that reflects the researcher’s skills, the research setting, and the research aims. This article sets out a particular method of applying it to the study of change management using a rich single case study in the nonprofit sector. Key findings are that nonprofit specific change management models may need to incorporate a focus on formal reflection for change agents and change recipients, development of trust and confidence in the organization prior to the actual change, focusing on the individual ...

Research paper thumbnail of Action Learning Intervention as a Change Management Strategy in the Disability Services Sector – A Case Study

Alarj, Jul 24, 2013

The not-for-profit disability services sector faces many challenges. The shift in funding arrange... more The not-for-profit disability services sector faces many challenges. The shift in funding arrangements from a supply-model, to a demand-model, has triggered the reassessment of organisational activity. This paper analyses these challenges, and seeks to study the application of Action Learning as a management tool for dealing with transformational change in this sector. The Action Learning approach implemented in this case study focused on the unique organisational characteristics with regard culture, structure, and the organisational response to the depth of the challenge. In so doing, the organisation recognised the requirements to respond decisively as a result of the shifting funding paradigm. Evidence was obtained regarding successful intervention outcomes, organisationally and personnel-wise. The former being a wide array of organisational and business initiatives, and the latter through the qualitative assessment of participant feedback. This paper provides insight into the development of an Action Learning intervention that can be applied to organisations in this sector, to facilitate such change challenges.

Research paper thumbnail of Risk and Opportunity—The Leadership Challenge in a World of Uncertainty—Learnings from Research into the Implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme

Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 2021

This paper considers the risks and opportunities inherent in a major national change process thro... more This paper considers the risks and opportunities inherent in a major national change process through a descriptive approach to the implementation challenges for Australian non-profit disability service providers as they grapple with the implementation of the transformational National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It highlights the leadership challenges associated with the newly developed NDIS Implementation Framework and, in doing so, recognises the risk and opportunity issues contained with that implementation process. The research used grounded theory coupled with framework analysis in a qualitative study that, in part, sought to identify leadership characteristics deemed necessary to minimize risks, capitalize on opportunities, and support positive change outcomes leading to successful NDIS implementations amongst several participating organisations, each with differing demographics and at different stages in the implementation process. The findings, which have been grouped...

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of Reflection in Planned Organizational Change

Change Management: An International Journal

Research paper thumbnail of Complex Change in the Australian Nonprofit Sector

Change Management: An International Journal, 2021

The implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme has presented transform... more The implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme has presented transformational change management challenges for many nonprofit disability service providers. Using grounded theory as the principle methodological approach in a pilot study in two organizations, our research has focused on three principal objectives: first, to identify prevailing approaches to managing organizational change; second, to inform the nonprofit disability services sector on strategies that could improve organizational change processes and outcomes; and finally, to inform public policy on the implications of change for this sector. Key findings include the need to develop pro-active structured external communication and engagement frameworks; the development of appropriate emotional support mechanisms for front-line service delivery staff; and the use of sector-specific approaches to change management.

Research paper thumbnail of Organization Science and Implementation Science: Working these together to enhance impact

Research paper thumbnail of Journal of Organizational Change Management Planned organisational change management: Forward to the past? An exploratory literature review Article information

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the development of planned organisational chan... more Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the development of planned organisational change models
(POCMs) since Lewin’s three-step model and to highlight key linkages between them.
Design/methodology/approach – A total of 13 commonly used POCMs were identified and connections
with Lewin’s three-step framework and associated process attributes were made, reflecting the connections
between these models and Lewin.
Findings – The findings show that first Lewin’s three-step model represents a framework for planned
change; however, these steps could not be viewed in isolation of other interrelated processes, including action
research, group dynamics, and force field analysis. These process steps underpin the iterative aspects of his
model. Second, all 13 POCMs have clearly identified linkages to Lewin, suggesting that the ongoing
development of POCMs is more of an exercise in developing ongoing procedural steps to support change
within the existing framework of the three-step model.
Research limitations/implications – The authors recognise that the inclusion of additional POCMs
would help strengthen linkages to Lewin. The findings from this paper refocus attention on the three-step
model, suggesting its ongoing centrality in planned organisational change rather than it being dismissed as
an historical approach from which more recently developed models have become more relevant.
Practical implications – This paper presents opportunities for organisational change management
researchers to challenge their thinking with regard to the ongoing search for model refinement, and for
practitioners in the design and structure of POCM.
Originality/value – An analysis of the ongoing relevance of Lewin and his linkage with modern POCMs
assist in rationalising the broadening, and often confusing literature on change. This paper therefore not only
contributes to filtering such literature, but also helps clarify the myriad of POCMs and their use.

Research paper thumbnail of Applying Grounded Theory to Investigating Change Management in the Nonprofit Sector.pdf

Grounded theory is well supported as a qualitative research method that historically responded to... more Grounded theory is well supported as a qualitative research method that historically responded to the epistemological
challenges of defining knowledge and determining how it has been acquired. While its historical and unique methodological
underpinnings remain consistent, its ongoing application and methods of execution continue to expand its use. The
consideration of using grounded theory by researchers embodies the need to explore the methodology and thereafter seek
to develop the method that reflects the researcher’s skills, the research setting, and the research aims. This article sets out
a particular method of applying it to the study of change management using a rich single case study in the nonprofit sector.
Key findings are that nonprofit specific change management models may need to incorporate a focus on formal reflection
for change agents and change recipients, development of trust and confidence in the organization prior to the actual change,
focusing on the individual experience of change, and recognizing the sequencing of events from a planning perspective.

Research paper thumbnail of A longitudinal qualitative case study of change in nonprofits: Suggesting a new approach to the management of change

Existing change management models have been developed from research undertaken largely within the... more Existing change management models have been developed from research undertaken largely within the for-profit sector, with little reference to the unique challenges of the nonprofit sector. This article identifies a number of characteristics of change management that may be unique to the nonprofit sector. The research sought to understand change from the perspective of those within the sector who experienced it using Grounded Theory in a rich single case study as the methodology, applying an inductive reasoning approach to the development of theory. Results point to the impact of four key characteristics that require a more substantial focus in planned change models when applied to nonprofits. These include formal reflection for change agents and change recipients, development of trust, and confidence in the organisation before the actual change, focussing on the individual experience of change, and the sequencing of events from a planning perspective.

Research paper thumbnail of Action Learning Intervention as a Change Management Strategy in the Disability Services Sector – A Case Study

The not-for-profit disability services sector faces many challenges. The shift in funding arrange... more The not-for-profit disability services sector faces many challenges. The shift in funding arrangements from a supply-model, to a demand-model, has triggered the reassessment of organisational activity. This paper analyses these challenges, and seeks to study the application of Action Learning as a management tool for dealing with transformational change in this sector. The Action Learning approach implemented in this case study focused on the unique organisational characteristics with regard culture, structure, and the organisational response to the depth of the challenge. In so doing, the organisation recognised the requirements to respond decisively as a result of the shifting funding paradigm. Evidence was obtained regarding successful intervention outcomes, organisationally and personnel-wise. The former being a wide array of organisational and business initiatives, and the latter through the qualitative assessment of participant feedback. This paper provides insight into the development of an Action Learning intervention that can be applied to organisations in this sector, to facilitate such change challenges.

Research paper thumbnail of Action Learning Intervention as a Change Management Strategy in the Disability Services Sector - A Case Study

The not-for-profit disability services sector faces many challenges. The shift in funding arrange... more The not-for-profit disability services sector faces many challenges. The shift in funding arrangements from a supply-model, to a demand-model, has triggered the reassessment of organisational activity. This paper analyses these challenges, and seeks to study the application of Action Learning as a management tool for dealing with transformational change in this sector. The Action Learning approach implemented in this case study focused on the unique organisational characteristics with regard culture, structure, and the organisational response to the depth of the challenge. In so doing, the organisation recognised the requirements to respond decisively as a result of the shifting funding paradigm. Evidence was obtained regarding successful intervention outcomes, organisationally and personnel-wise. The former being a wide array of organisational and business initiatives, and the latter through the qualitative assessment of participant feedback. This paper provides insight into the development of an Action Learning intervention that can be applied to organisations in this sector, to facilitate such change challenges.

Research paper thumbnail of Risk and Opportunity-The Leadership Challenge in a World of Uncertainty-Learnings from Research into the Implementation of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme

Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 2021

This paper considers the risks and opportunities inherent in a major national change process thro... more This paper considers the risks and opportunities inherent in a major national change process through a descriptive approach to the implementation challenges for Australian non-profit disability service providers as they grapple with the implementation of the transformational National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It highlights the leadership challenges associated with the newly developed NDIS Implementation Framework and, in doing so, recognises the risk and
opportunity issues contained with that implementation process. The research used grounded theory coupled with framework analysis in a qualitative study that, in part, sought to identify leadership
characteristics deemed necessary to minimize risks, capitalize on opportunities, and support positive change outcomes leading to successful NDIS implementations amongst several participating organisations,
each with differing demographics and at different stages in the implementation process. The findings, which have been grouped into phases, suggest a range of leadership attributes at key phases
of the NDIS implementation that are necessary to minimise implementation risks and maximise opportunities associated with the NDIS. These phases have been identified as: (i) An input phase where the emphasis must be on internal change preparedness and external environmental impacts
and drivers; (ii) A process phase where the emphasis is on direct implementation issues; and (iii) An outcomes phase where active consideration needs to be on organisational mission sustainability, as
well as the risk and opportunity challenge. The study is crucial in revealing leadership challenges and lessons for large scale change and risk management in the non-profit sector, within and beyond the specific case of Australia’s NDIS implementation, useful for both scholars and practitioners.

Keywords: change management; non-profits; grounded theory; framework analysis; risk; transformational leadership; servant leadership