Agents of change in the disability field: bridge‐builders who make a difference

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to highlight the systemic conditions that facilitate the emergence, longevity, and effectiveness of bridge‐builders across organizations.Design/methodology/approachResearchers conducted longitudinal case studies in six One‐Stop Career Centers across the USA over four years. Interviews were conducted with approximately 20 people in various positions at each of the sites visited. The data analyzed spanned the four years of the study.FindingsResearchers uncovered particular characteristics present in individual bridge‐builders that enabled them to accomplish their goals. This research indicates that, when the right conditions intersected with the right type of person, champions emerged who helped move the organization in new and innovative directions.Originality/valueThis paper provides an outline of the organizational change that can happen in the disability field. By delineating bridge‐builders and the context in which they operate, others can identify the conditions within organizations to help them move forward.

Supporting workers with disabilities: a scoping review of the role of human resource management in contemporary organisations

“…Furthermore, Hamner et al. () contend that recruitment is challenging because managers often fail to work closely with employment agencies. According to Duff and Ferguson (), most companies invest very little in recruitment and, due to their professional ignorance, often fail to recruit employees with physical disabilities.…”

“…This is compounded by discriminatory recruitment and selection processes and by employers not fully aware of the needs of potential employees or available government support for hiring a person with a physical disability (Jones and Schmidt 2004;Kaye, Jans, and Jones 2011;Lewis, Thoresen, and Cocks 2011). Furthermore, Hamner et al (2008) contend that recruitment is challenging because managers often fail to work closely with employment agencies. According to Duff and Ferguson (2007), most companies invest very little in recruitment and, due to their professional ignorance, often fail to recruit employees with physical disabilities.…”

Implementation of a competency assessment tool for agency nurses working in an acute paediatric setting

“…Greater acceptance of the need for the change was demonstrated by increased focus around the new systems of competency assessment and communications. A new way of doing business had emerged (Hamner et al. 2008).…”

Analysing accounting and organisational change: the theoretical development

“…Thus, the authors intend to include the notion of effective transformational leaders and link it to Van der Steen's (2005) framework in order to enhance the understanding of the process of change that leads to the alteration of institutions in greater detail. Literature across fields portrays a strong bond between the concepts of organisational change and leadership (see for example Hamner et al, 2008;Harker and Sharma, 2000;Pettigrew and Whipp, 1991).…”