Title

A Grounded Theory Study of Organizational Readiness for Change in Public Child Welfare: Developing a theoretical model.

Authors

Natallie Gentles-Gibbs PhD, LCSW, University of Southern Maine
Hyejin Kim, Wright State University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

Publication Title

Child Welfare

Keywords

grounded theory, child welfare, organizational change, leadership, corporate culture

Abstract

This study used grounded theory to explore the perspectives of public child welfare caseworkers and supervisors on the system’s readiness for change. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted within three counties in a Midwestern state. A theoretical model of child welfare organizational readiness of change was developed to include influential factors inside and outside of the organization. While leadership is the most significant internal factor, external factors are also crucial to readiness for change.

Recommended Citation

Gentles-Gibbs, N. & Kim, H. (2019). A grounded theory study of organizational readiness for change in public child welfare: Developing a theoretical model. Child Welfare, 97(1), 109-134.