Restructuring in Academia: The need for continuous models of change

Title
Restructuring in Academia: The need for continuous models of change
Publication Date
2006
Author(s)
Rindfleish, Jennifer May
Kjeldal, Sue-Ellen
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Common Ground Publishing
Place of publication
United States of America
UNE publication id
une:1813
Abstract
Over the last decade Higher Education institutions in Australia have moved towards a model of 'managerialism' due predominantly to changes in government funding policies. The increase in managerialism in the sector has led to restructuring imperatives and the amalgamation of academic disciplines that, until recently, have been historically distinct. In this paper, the authors focus on the amalgamation of two academic schools into one larger school as a case study to uncover the individual and organisational tensions that arose from the restructuring. The aim of the paper is to use personal stories relating to the experiences of those involved with the amalgamation as reflexive devices to uncover both conflict and cooperation that arose from the process. Lewin's model of change management is used to highlight the points of tension in the process and illuminate ways in which the process could have been better managed. The implications of such restructuring exercises will be discussed in light of Lewin's model and the need for a model that encapsulates the now continuous process of change in the Higher Education sector in Australia.
Link
Citation
The International Journal of Knowledge, Culture and Change Management, 5(5), p. 29-37
ISSN
1447-9524
1447-9575
Start page
29
End page
37

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