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
2002
Conference Publication
A multi-method examination of intragroup conflict, emotions and counterproductive behaviours
Ayoko, O. B., Hartel, C. and Callan, V. J. (2002). A multi-method examination of intragroup conflict, emotions and counterproductive behaviours. Australia-New Zealand International Business Academy (ANZIBA), Brisbane, 8-9 November, 2002. Brisbane: ANZIBA.
2002
Journal Article
Resolving the puzzle of productive and destructive conflict in culturally heterogeneous workgroups: A communication accommodation theory approach
Ayoko, O. B., Hartel, C. E. J. and Callan, V. J. (2002). Resolving the puzzle of productive and destructive conflict in culturally heterogeneous workgroups: A communication accommodation theory approach. International Journal of Conflict Management, 13 (2), 165-195. doi: 10.1108/eb022873
2002
Conference Publication
Conflict, bullying and emotions: An examination of conflict events as antecedents to bullying, emotions and counterproductive behaviours in the workplace
Ayoko, O., Callan, V. J., Härtel, C. E. J. and Simons, R. (2002). Conflict, bullying and emotions: An examination of conflict events as antecedents to bullying, emotions and counterproductive behaviours in the workplace. 3rd Bi-Annual Meeting of the Emotions in Organizational Life Conference, Gold Coast, Australia, July 2002.
2002
Journal Article
Short communication: Extended shifts in ambulance work: influences on health
Pisarski, Anne, Bohle, Philip and Callan, Victor J. (2002). Short communication: Extended shifts in ambulance work: influences on health. Stress And Health, 18 (3), 119-126. doi: 10.1002/smi.935
2001
Journal Article
Predictors of ethical code use and ethical tolerance in the public sector. (vol 25, pg 237, 2000)
Ashkanasy, NM, Falkus, S and Callan, VJ (2001). Predictors of ethical code use and ethical tolerance in the public sector. (vol 25, pg 237, 2000). Journal of Business Ethics, 31 (4), 377-377.
2001
Journal Article
Employee adjustment to an organizational merger: An intergroup perspective
Terry, Deborah J., Carey, Craig J. and Callan, Victor J. (2001). Employee adjustment to an organizational merger: An intergroup perspective. Personality And Social Psychology Bulletin, 27 (3), 267-280. doi: 10.1177/0146167201273001
2001
Conference Publication
The relationship between perceived available support, coping responses and achieving positive adjustment to organizational change
Lawrence, S. A., Callan, V. J. and Pisarski, A. (2001). The relationship between perceived available support, coping responses and achieving positive adjustment to organizational change. Washington DC, August 3-8,2001. New York: Academy of Management.
2001
Book Chapter
Managing and leading organizational change
Callan, V. J. and Jackson, C. R. (2001). Managing and leading organizational change. Leadership in the Antipodes:Findings,implications and a leader profile. (pp. 105-123) edited by K.Parry. Wellington, New Zealand: Victoria University of Wellington.
2001
Conference Publication
Disentangling the complexity of productive and destructive conflict in culturally heterogenous workgroups: Acommunication accommodation theory approach
Ayoko, O. B., Hartel, C. E. and Callan, V. J. (2001). Disentangling the complexity of productive and destructive conflict in culturally heterogenous workgroups: Acommunication accommodation theory approach. 61st Annual Meeting of the Academy of Mangement 2001: How Governments Matter, Washington DC, 3-8 August 2001. New York, NY: American Academy of Management.
2001
Conference Publication
Towards a new model of perceptions of resource allocations during organizational change
Tluchowska, M., Callan, V. J. and Gallois, C. (2001). Towards a new model of perceptions of resource allocations during organizational change. Annual Meeting of the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists, San Diego, Ca, USA, 27-29 April, 2001. Bowling Green, OH: SIOP.
2001
Conference Publication
Information and efficacy as predictors of adjustment during organizational change
Jimmieson, N., Terry, D. J. and Callan, V. J. (2001). Information and efficacy as predictors of adjustment during organizational change. San Diego, Ca USA, 27-29 April, 2001. Bowling Green, OH, USA: Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
2001
Book Chapter
Communication in organisations: An intergroup perspective
Gardner, J. M. J., Paulsen, N., Gallois, C., Callan, V. J. and Monaghan, P. G. (2001). Communication in organisations: An intergroup perspective. The New Handbook of language and Social Psychology. (pp. 561-584) edited by W. P. Robinson and H. Giles. Chichester, England: John Wiley.
2001
Conference Publication
Disentangling the complexity of productive and destructive conflict in culturally heterogeneous workgroups: A Communication Accommodation Theory approach
Ayoko, O., Callan, V. J. and Härtel, C. E. J. (2001). Disentangling the complexity of productive and destructive conflict in culturally heterogeneous workgroups: A Communication Accommodation Theory approach. Academy of Management Conference, Pleasantville, NY, United States, August 2001. Briarcliff Manor, NY, United States: Academy of Management.
2001
Conference Publication
Managing health professions in transition: New organizational forms and identities
Tluchowska, M., Callan, V. J. and Boyce, R. A. (2001). Managing health professions in transition: New organizational forms and identities. Washington,DC, USA, August 3-8,2001. New York,USA: Academy of Management.
2001
Book
What are the essential capabilities for those who manage training organisations
Callan, V. J. (2001). What are the essential capabilities for those who manage training organisations. Kensinton Park , South Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).
2001
Other Outputs
Report on apprenticeship and traineeship completions
Callan, V. J. (2001). Report on apprenticeship and traineeship completions. Brisbane, Australia: Queensland Governmentt Dept. Of Employment Training and Industrial Relations.
2000
Book Chapter
Employee adjustment to an organisational change: A stress and coping perspective.
Terry, D. J. and Callan, V. J. (2000). Employee adjustment to an organisational change: A stress and coping perspective.. Coping, health, and organizations. (pp. 259-276) edited by Philip Dewe, Michael Leiter and Tom Cox. London: Taylor & Francis.
2000
Conference Publication
The intergroup context of communication in organisations
Paulsen, N., Gardner, J. M. J., Gallois, C., Callan, V. J. and Monaghan, P. (2000). The intergroup context of communication in organisations. 50th Annual Conference of the International Communication Association, Acapulco, Mexico, 01-05 June, 2000. California: University of California.
2000
Conference Publication
Employees' perceptions of managers' communication accommodation: A structural modelling approach
Willemyns, M., Gallois, C. and Callan, V. J. (2000). Employees' perceptions of managers' communication accommodation: A structural modelling approach. 5th Annual Meeting of the Society of Australasian Social Psychologists, Fremantle, 27 - 30 April 2000. Basingstoke, UK: Taylor & Francis.
2000
Conference Publication
Perceptions of male and female managers as mentors
Hay, S., Willemyns, M., Gallois, C. and Callan, V. J. (2000). Perceptions of male and female managers as mentors. ANZAM 2000, Sydney, 2000, 03-06 Dec 2000. Sydney: Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management.
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
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
-
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
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Becoming and being a middle manager in the Australian Aged Care Sector - Let's talk about change
Associate Advisor
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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
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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
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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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