Professor Victor Callan
Professor

Victor Callan

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+61 7 334 68013

Background

Victor Callan AM is Professor of Leadership and Organisational Change at the University of Queensland (UQ) Business School in the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law. His research investigates a variety of factors impacting on organisational change, leadership performance and employee training, and he is one of Australia's most recognised researchers in these fields.

In terms of recognition by external bodies, Victor has been elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia, a Fellow of the Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for his significant service to higher education in the field of management as a researcher and adviser to Government and industry. Within UQ, Victor has been awarded the University's Award for Excellence in Higher Degree Research Supervision for the quality of outcomes associated with his PhD supervision. In addition, he is a recipient of two UQ Excellence in Leadership Awards for his roles in developing strong research, consulting and industry partnerships.

Victor is a regular contributor to executive education for senior managers and executives in the public and private sectors in Australia and internationally. He has completed over 100 projects as an adviser for Federal, State and local government departments including major reviews on employee skills, vocational education and training, major industry closures and workforce development. He has also completed organisational and workforce development projects internationally, including for governments and organisations in South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Indonesia, Bhutan, Brunei, New Zealand, PNG and for South Pacific countries.

Currently his major teaching activities at UQ are in courses associated with MBA students, and students in the Bachelor of Advanced Business Honours program. In 2025 as one of the four Chief Investigators, he has begun his 14th Australian Research Council (ARC) project, in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Mimal Land Council, and Indigenous women’s groups across northern Australia.

Availability

Professor Victor Callan is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services Psychology

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Arts, University of New South Wales
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Australian National University

Research interests

  • Organisational Change, Leadership and Skills Development

    1. Organisational Change and Leadership Special interest in employees' and leaders' experiences with large scale organisational change, examining their levels of adaptation, personal capabilities, as well as the communication and team dynamics. 2. Employee Skills, Capabilities and Training Examinations of effective responses to skills development and shortages, including strategies around recognition of prior learning, e-learning, new models of apprenticeships and strategies to assist displaced older workers, training and retraining including downsized employees, and the skills of leaders and chairpersons required of corporate boards.

Research impacts

Published reports for the National Centre for Vocational Education Research by Professor Callan are informing public policy in the areas of workforce development, apprenticeships, the application of e-learning in the workplace, and the development of improved pathways between the vocational education and higher education sectors. In addition, he has completed numerous evaluations of the effectiveness of State and Federal Government programs including evaluations of training programs in prisons; new models for the delivery of mental health services; programs to introduce more e-learning and e-assessment into workplaces; investigations into programs to assist employees impacted by large scale industry closures; and evaluations of various forms of apprenticeship models. His published academic work that consists of over 250 publications is presented into various executive education and middle manager programs for UQ, especially around applications for improved leadership, better communication, changes to workplace training and more successful change management.

Search Professor Victor Callan’s works on UQ eSpace

300 works between 1980 and 2025
All (300) Journal Article (178) Book Chapter (16) Conference Publication (60) Book (17) Other Outputs (29)

21 - 40 of 300 works

2021

Other Outputs

Engaging more employers in nationally recognised training to develop their workforce: literature review – support document 1

Bowman, Kaye and Callan, Victor J. (2021). Engaging more employers in nationally recognised training to develop their workforce: literature review – support document 1. Adelaide, SA, Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

Engaging more employers in nationally recognised training to develop their workforce: literature review – support document 1

2021

Other Outputs

Engaging more employers in nationally recognised training to develop their workforce

Bowman, Kaye and Callan, Victor J. (2021). Engaging more employers in nationally recognised training to develop their workforce. Adelaide, SA, Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

Engaging more employers in nationally recognised training to develop their workforce

2021

Other Outputs

Towards board gender parity: lessons from the past - directions for the future

Fitzsimmons, Terrence W., Yates, Miriam S. and Callan, Victor J. (2021). Towards board gender parity: lessons from the past - directions for the future. Brisbane, Qld, Australia: The University of Queensland and AICD.

Towards board gender parity: lessons from the past - directions for the future

2021

Book Chapter

Fear not your mavericks! Their bounded non-conformity and positive deviance helps organizations drive change and innovation

Jordan, Ree, Fitzsimmons, Terrance W. and Callan, Victor J. (2021). Fear not your mavericks! Their bounded non-conformity and positive deviance helps organizations drive change and innovation. Strategic responses for a sustainable future: new research in international management. (pp. 123-146) edited by Torben Juul Andersen. Bingley, United Kingdom: Emerald Publishing. doi: 10.1108/978-1-80071-929-320214006

Fear not your mavericks! Their bounded non-conformity and positive deviance helps organizations drive change and innovation

2021

Conference Publication

Accountants’ whistleblowing behaviours: the macro, meso, and micro analysis in Indonesian context

Fu, Sarah M., Intezari, Ali and Callan, Victor J. (2021). Accountants’ whistleblowing behaviours: the macro, meso, and micro analysis in Indonesian context. British Academy of Management 2021 Conference, Online, 31 August-3 September 2021. London, United Kingdom: British Academy of Management.

Accountants’ whistleblowing behaviours: the macro, meso, and micro analysis in Indonesian context

2021

Journal Article

Lean in? The role of single sex schools in the gendering of confidence in high school adolescents

Fitzsimmons, Terrance W, Yates, Miriam S and Callan, Victor J (2021). Lean in? The role of single sex schools in the gendering of confidence in high school adolescents. Australian Journal of Career Development, 30 (2), 139-149. doi: 10.1177/10384162211012045

Lean in? The role of single sex schools in the gendering of confidence in high school adolescents

2021

Journal Article

Exploring the doctor-patient relationship as a challenge job demand: application of the job demands–resources model in a Chinese public hospital

Zeng, Weilong, Ma, Shaozhuang, Callan, Victor J. and Wu, Linghong (2021). Exploring the doctor-patient relationship as a challenge job demand: application of the job demands–resources model in a Chinese public hospital. Psychology, Health and Medicine, 27 (8), 1-11. doi: 10.1080/13548506.2021.1916952

Exploring the doctor-patient relationship as a challenge job demand: application of the job demands–resources model in a Chinese public hospital

2020

Journal Article

Influences upon social media adoption and changes to training delivery in vocational education institutions

Callan, Victor J. and Johnston, Margaret A. (2020). Influences upon social media adoption and changes to training delivery in vocational education institutions. Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 74 (4), 1-26. doi: 10.1080/13636820.2020.1821754

Influences upon social media adoption and changes to training delivery in vocational education institutions

2020

Journal Article

The influence of emotional labor and emotional intelligence on job performance: does ownership type matter? A comparison of public and private organizations in China

Ma, Shaozhuang, Silva, Maria Gabriela, Trigo, Virginia and Callan, Victor J. (2020). The influence of emotional labor and emotional intelligence on job performance: does ownership type matter? A comparison of public and private organizations in China. International Journal of Public Administration, 43 (9), 745-756. doi: 10.1080/01900692.2019.1646276

The influence of emotional labor and emotional intelligence on job performance: does ownership type matter? A comparison of public and private organizations in China

2020

Journal Article

Industry restructuring and job loss: towards a guiding model to assist the displaced older worker

Callan, Victor J., Bowman, Kaye, Fitzsimmons, Terrance W. and Poulsen, Alison L. (2020). Industry restructuring and job loss: towards a guiding model to assist the displaced older worker. Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 73 (4), 1-25. doi: 10.1080/13636820.2020.1744693

Industry restructuring and job loss: towards a guiding model to assist the displaced older worker

2019

Journal Article

The diversity gap in leadership: what are we missing in current theorizing?

Fitzsimmons, Terrance W. and Callan, Victor J. (2019). The diversity gap in leadership: what are we missing in current theorizing?. The Leadership Quarterly, 31 (4) 101347, 101347. doi: 10.1016/j.leaqua.2019.101347

The diversity gap in leadership: what are we missing in current theorizing?

2019

Journal Article

Applying endosymbiosis theory: tourism and its young workers

Robinson, Richard N.S., Baum, Tom, Golubovskaya, Maria, Solnet, David J. and Callan, Victor (2019). Applying endosymbiosis theory: tourism and its young workers. Annals of Tourism Research, 78 102751, 102751. doi: 10.1016/j.annals.2019.102751

Applying endosymbiosis theory: tourism and its young workers

2019

Journal Article

Employer training in Australia: Current practices and concerns

Smith, Erica, Callan, Victor, Tuck, Jacqueline and Smith, Andrew (2019). Employer training in Australia: Current practices and concerns. International Journal of Training and Development, 23 (2), 169-183. doi: 10.1111/ijtd.12152

Employer training in Australia: Current practices and concerns

2018

Other Outputs

Hands up for gender equality: A major study into confidence and career intentions of adolescent girls and boys

Fitzsimmons, Terrance W., Yates, Miriam S. and Callan, Victor J. (2018). Hands up for gender equality: A major study into confidence and career intentions of adolescent girls and boys. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: AIBE Centre for Gender Equality in the Workplace, The University of Queensland.

Hands up for gender equality: A major study into confidence and career intentions of adolescent girls and boys

2018

Conference Publication

Innovation, change and paradoxical behaviors in Scientific R & D teams

Ayoko, O.B. and Callan, V. (2018). Innovation, change and paradoxical behaviors in Scientific R & D teams. Fourth Israel Organizational Behavior Conference (IOBC), Tel Aviv, Israel, 2nd-4th January, 2018.

Innovation, change and paradoxical behaviors in Scientific R & D teams

2017

Journal Article

Injunctive and descriptive logics during newcomer socialization: the impact on organizational identification, trustworthiness, and self-efficacy

Smith, Laura G. E., Gillespie, Nicole, Callan, Victor J., Fitzsimmons, Terrance W. and Paulsen, Neil (2017). Injunctive and descriptive logics during newcomer socialization: the impact on organizational identification, trustworthiness, and self-efficacy. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 38 (4), 487-511. doi: 10.1002/job.2131

Injunctive and descriptive logics during newcomer socialization: the impact on organizational identification, trustworthiness, and self-efficacy

2017

Other Outputs

Continuity and change: Employers' training practices and partnerships with training providers

Smith, Erica, Smith, Andy, Tuck, Jacqueline and Callan, Victor (2017). Continuity and change: Employers' training practices and partnerships with training providers. Adelaide, SA, Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

Continuity and change: Employers' training practices and partnerships with training providers

2016

Journal Article

CEO selection: a capital perspective

Fitzsimmons, Terrance W. and Callan, Victor J. (2016). CEO selection: a capital perspective. The Leadership Quarterly, 27 (5), 765-787. doi: 10.1016/j.leaqua.2016.05.001

CEO selection: a capital perspective

2016

Journal Article

E-assessment: challenges to the legitimacy of VET practitioners and auditors

Callan, Victor J., Johnston, Margaret, Clayton, Berwyn and Poulsen, Alison L. (2016). E-assessment: challenges to the legitimacy of VET practitioners and auditors. Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 68 (4), 1-20. doi: 10.1080/13636820.2016.1231214

E-assessment: challenges to the legitimacy of VET practitioners and auditors

2016

Journal Article

Applying a capital perspective to explain continued gender inequality in the C-suite

Fitzsimmons, Terrance W. and Callan, Victor J. (2016). Applying a capital perspective to explain continued gender inequality in the C-suite. Leadership Quarterly, 27 (3), 354-370. doi: 10.1016/j.leaqua.2015.11.003

Applying a capital perspective to explain continued gender inequality in the C-suite

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2028
    Amplifying leadership and voices of Indigenous women environmental rangers
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2023
    Careers in everyday industries: Potential benefits of increased visibility (National Careers Institute Partnerships Grant)
    Federation University Australia
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2023
    Taylor Family Director (Chair) of The Centre for the Business and Economics of Health
    Research Donation Generic
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2015
    Managing Key Professional Transitions in the Health Sector
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Newcomer Socialisation: Testing a Human Resources Model
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Newcomer socialisation: Examining the processes predicting changes in organisational identification over time
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    Team processes, identification, and reliable performance: Implementing the Balanced Scorecard in health service teams
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2006
    Coping with an Organizational Merger: A Longitudinal Study Investigating Changes in Social Identification Among Employees from High and Low Status Pre-Merger Organizations
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    Identifying and Removing Boundaries to Effective Team Functioning and Communication
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2007
    Site-Level Community Engagement Processes in the Australian Minerals Industry: A Comparative Analysis
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2006
    The Management of Information Technology Based Organisational Change
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    Community Consultative Mechanisms in the Australian Minerals Industry: An Evaluation
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2002
    Employee adjustment to organisation change: applying social identity theory
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2002
    Employee adjustment to organisational change: The role of communication and intergroup perceptions.
    ARC Collaborative Grant (SPIRT)
    Open grant
  • 2000
    UQ - Wolston Park Hospital Collaboration Framework Agreement
    Wolston Park Hospital
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Employee Adjustment to Continue Organisational Change
    ARC Collaborative Grant (SPIRT)
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Employee adjustment to continued organisational change
    Department of Public Works & Housing
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Employee adjustment to continued organisational change (in kind contribution only - no cash)
    Princess Alexandra Hospital
    Open grant
  • 1996 - 1997
    Validation of a strategic organisational culture survey
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1997
    Communication and workplace diversity
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Victor Callan is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Asian-Australian Leaders' Ascension to Top Management Teams and their Contributon to Organisational Resilience

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Ree Jordan

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Asian-Australian Leaders' Ascension to Top Management Teams and their Contributon to Organisational Resilience

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Ree Jordan

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The role of maverickism in driving cultural transformation to achieve future workforce objectives

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Ree Jordan

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Victor Callan directly for media enquiries about:

  • Leadership
  • Organisational change
  • Training and skills - work
  • Work place communication

Need help?

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communications@uq.edu.au