
Overview
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
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Arts, University of New South Wales
- Doctor of Philosophy, Australian National University
Research interests
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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.
Works
Search Professor Victor Callan’s works on UQ eSpace
1990
Journal Article
A diary approach to analysing young adults' drinking events and motivations
WILKS J. and CALLAN V.J. (1990). A diary approach to analysing young adults' drinking events and motivations. Drug and Alcohol Review, 9 (1), 7-13. doi: 10.1080/09595239000185021
1990
Journal Article
Perceptions of legal and illegal drugs: comparisons of parents, adolescents, and best friends
Wilks, Jeffrey and Callan, Victor J. (1990). Perceptions of legal and illegal drugs: comparisons of parents, adolescents, and best friends. Drug and Alcohol Review, 9 (4), 311-319. doi: 10.1080/09595239000185431
1989
Journal Article
Strategies for Coping with Infertility
Callan, VJ and Hennessey, JF (1989). Strategies for Coping with Infertility. British Journal of Medical Psychology, 62 (4), 343-354. doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8341.1989.tb02844.x
1989
Journal Article
The role of therapists in helping couples cope with stillbirth and newborn death
Callan, Victor J. and Murray, Judith (1989). The role of therapists in helping couples cope with stillbirth and newborn death. Family Relations, 38 (3), 248-253. doi: 10.2307/585048
1989
Journal Article
Parent, Peer and Personal Determinants of Adolescent Drinking
Wilks, J, Callan, VJ and Austin, DA (1989). Parent, Peer and Personal Determinants of Adolescent Drinking. British Journal of Addiction, 84 (6), 619-630. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1989.tb03477.x
1989
Journal Article
Psychological Adjustment to Infertility: A Unique comparison of Two Groups of Infertile Women, Mothers and Women Childless by Choice
Callan, Victor J. and Hennessey, John F. (1989). Psychological Adjustment to Infertility: A Unique comparison of Two Groups of Infertile Women, Mothers and Women Childless by Choice. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 7 (2), 105-112. doi: 10.1080/02646838908403581
1989
Journal Article
Nonverbal Behavior in Families with Adolescents
Noller, P and Callan, VJ (1989). Nonverbal Behavior in Families with Adolescents. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 13 (1), 47-64. doi: 10.1007/BF01006473
1989
Journal Article
Ecological-Studies of Family-Life - Vetere,a, Gale,a, Lewis,s, Jolly,c, Reynolds,s
Callan, VJ (1989). Ecological-Studies of Family-Life - Vetere,a, Gale,a, Lewis,s, Jolly,c, Reynolds,s. Current Psychology-Research & Reviews, 8 (1), 76-77.
1989
Journal Article
The Relationship Between Premenstrual Dysphoria and Daily Ratings Dimensions
Christensen, AP, Oei, Tps and Callan, VJ (1989). The Relationship Between Premenstrual Dysphoria and Daily Ratings Dimensions. Journal of Affective Disorders, 16 (2-3), 127-132. doi: 10.1016/0165-0327(89)90066-9
1989
Book Chapter
Social perception, judgments and decisions
Hannover, B., Upmeyer, A., Kaplan, M. F., Schwarz, N., Strack, F., Callan, V. J., Gallois, C., Six, B. and Eckes, T. (1989). Social perception, judgments and decisions. Recent advances in social psychology: An international perspective. (pp. 249-307) edited by Forgas, J. P. and Innes, J. M.. Oxford, England: International Union of Psychological Science.
1988
Journal Article
Toward Understanding Womens Decisions to Continue or Stop Invitro Fertilization - the Role of Social, Psychological, and Background Factors
Callan, VJ, Kloske, B, Kashima, Y and Hennessey, JF (1988). Toward Understanding Womens Decisions to Continue or Stop Invitro Fertilization - the Role of Social, Psychological, and Background Factors. Journal of in Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer, 5 (6), 363-369. doi: 10.1007/BF01129572
1988
Journal Article
Emotional Aspects and Support in Invitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Programs
Callan, VJ and Hennessey, JF (1988). Emotional Aspects and Support in Invitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Programs. Journal of in Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer, 5 (5), 290-295. doi: 10.1007/BF01132180
1988
Journal Article
Expectations About Appropriate Drinking Contexts - Comparisons of Parents, Adolescents and Best Friends
Wilks, J and Callan, VJ (1988). Expectations About Appropriate Drinking Contexts - Comparisons of Parents, Adolescents and Best Friends. British Journal of Addiction, 83 (9), 1055-1062. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1988.tb00532.x
1988
Journal Article
Understanding Parent Adolescent Interactions - Perceptions of Family Members and Outsiders
Noller, P and Callan, VJ (1988). Understanding Parent Adolescent Interactions - Perceptions of Family Members and Outsiders. Developmental Psychology, 24 (5), 707-714. doi: 10.1037//0012-1649.24.5.707
1988
Journal Article
The Psychological Adjustment of Women Experiencing Infertility
Callan, VJ and Hennessey, JF (1988). The Psychological Adjustment of Women Experiencing Infertility. British Journal of Medical Psychology, 61 (2), 137-140. doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8341.1988.tb02772.x
1988
Journal Article
Predicting adjustment to perinatal death
Murray, J. A. and Callan, V. J. (1988). Predicting adjustment to perinatal death. British Journal of Medical Psychology, 61 (3), 237-244. doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8341.1988.tb02785.x
1988
Book
Infertility: a guide for couples
Callan, Victor J. (1988). Infertility: a guide for couples. Melbourne, VIC Australia: Pitman.
1988
Journal Article
Communication accommodation and the prototypical speaker: Predicting evaluations of status and solidarity
Gallois, Cynthia and Callan, Victor J. (1988). Communication accommodation and the prototypical speaker: Predicting evaluations of status and solidarity. Language & Communication, 8 (3-4), 271-283. doi: 10.1016/0271-5309(88)90022-5
1987
Journal Article
The Personal and Marital Adjustment of Mothers and of Voluntarily and Involuntarily Childless Wives
Callan, VJ (1987). The Personal and Marital Adjustment of Mothers and of Voluntarily and Involuntarily Childless Wives. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 49 (4), 847-856. doi: 10.2307/351978
1987
Journal Article
Stress and Semen Quality in An Invitro Fertilization Program
Harrison, KL, Callan, VJ and Hennessey, JF (1987). Stress and Semen Quality in An Invitro Fertilization Program. Fertility and Sterility, 48 (4), 633-636. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)59477-1
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Victor Callan is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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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
-
Doctor Philosophy
Asian-Australian Leaders' Ascension to Top Management Teams and their Contributon to Organisational Resilience
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Ree Jordan
Completed supervision
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Navigating CEO appointments: Do Australia's top male and female CEOs differ in how they made it to the top?
Principal Advisor
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
The role of stated organizational values in times of change and crisis
Principal Advisor
-
2006
Doctor Philosophy
EMPLOYEE RESPONSES TO ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE: THE MODERATING EFFECTS OF PERCEPTIONS OF ORGANISATIONAL JUSTICE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTRACTS
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Bernadette Watson
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2006
Doctor Philosophy
AN INTEGRATIVE MODEL OF PERCEIVED AVAILABLE SUPPORT, ORGANISATIONAL STRESS AND SUPPORT MOBILISATION
Principal Advisor
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
PROFESSIONAL GROUP MEMBERSHIP AND PERCEPTIONS OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION
Principal Advisor
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
Making a difference from differences: Culturally heterogeneous workgroups need leaders with conflict and emotional management skills
Principal Advisor
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
MANAGEMENT OF GROUP PROCESSES DURING ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE
Principal Advisor
-
2002
Doctor Philosophy
COMMUNICATION AND WORKPLACE DIVERSITY
Principal Advisor
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Accountants' Whistleblowing Behaviours: A Macro, Meso, and Micro Analysis in the Indonesian Context
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ali Intezari
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Maverickism: Round pegs in square holes - The who, what and why of mavericks in organisations
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Terrance Fitzsimmons
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Becoming and being a middle manager in the Australian Aged Care Sector - Let's talk about change
Associate Advisor
-
2008
Doctor Philosophy
POST-COLONIAL INDONESIA: A STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF THE COLONIAL LEGACY AND FOREIGN AID ON INDONESIAN PUBLIC SECTOR INSTITUTIONS
Associate Advisor
-
2008
Doctor Philosophy
TURBULENCE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: CHANGE, INERTIA, POWER AND THE PROFESSIONS
Associate Advisor
-
2007
Doctor Philosophy
EMPLOYEES' PERCEPTIONS OF MULTINATIONAL ORGANISATIONAL PRACTICES IN INDONESIA: CULTURAL DIFFERENCES AND SOCIAL IDENTITY
Associate Advisor
-
2007
Doctor Philosophy
AUSTRALIAN BOARDS AND PERFORMANCE: A MULTI-METHOD TEST OF THREE THEORIES OF GOVERNANCE
Associate Advisor
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
COMMUNICATION ACCOMMODATION IN THE WORKPLACE
Associate Advisor
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
PREDICTION OF GOAL-DIRECTED BEHAVIOUR: LIFE SATISFACTION AND CONSUMER INTENTIONS TO SEEK FINANCIAL PLANNING ADVICE
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Janet McColl-Kennedy
-
2002
Doctor Philosophy
AN ANALYSIS OF THE VALIDITY OF COMMUNICATION ACCOMMODATION THEORY (CAT) APPLIED TO ORGANISATIONAL COMMUNICATION
Associate Advisor
-
2002
Doctor Philosophy
THE USE OF POWER IN ABORIGINAL ORGANISATIONS
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Victor Callan directly for media enquiries about:
- Leadership
- Organisational change
- Training and skills - work
- Work place communication
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