Presentation by Dr. Tom Packard

Abstract of study: Organizational change is a requirement for human service organizations, which are facing demands such as funding pressures and increasing performance expectations. Because research on organizational change rarely uses consistent methodologies, and unsuccessful changes are rarely presented, the evidence for prescriptions in the literature must be considered weak. After a brief overview of definitions, theories, and processes of organizational change, results from research on the use of organizational change tactics will be presented. A questionnaire assessing the use of organizational change tactics was administered to staff in a community-based organization serving youth and families. Findings show the extent to which these tactics were used in successful change processes, helping change leaders choose empirically-supported change tactics and guiding future research.

For those interested in a more in-depth and personal conversation, Packard will also be available to discuss his conceptual and empirical work during a doctoral seminar (1:30 to 3:00 pm in SWC 108 - RSVP suggested).

Tom Packard is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at San Diego State University, where he teaches courses in management, leadership, social policy and community practice. He is a faculty consultant with the school’s Academy for Professional Excellence, which provides research, consultation and training support to the Southern Area Consortium of Human Services (SACHS), which consists of the directors of eight Southern California county human service agencies. This work has included seven years as a trainer in a leadership development program for 190 middle managers in SACHS counties. He has for more than 20 years been an organization development consultant specializing in government and not‑for‑profit organizations, including more than six years with the City of San Diego’s Organization Effectiveness Program, which he managed for 1.5 years. Prior to entering teaching, he was the director of two not-for-profit human service agencies and was a program evaluator for the County of San Diego. He received his doctorate in social welfare at UCLA, where he also studied at the Center for Quality of Working Life.