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)

161 - 180 of 300 works

2000

Conference Publication

Communicating leadership, direction, and team identity: Managers' communication style and employee motivation

Willemnys, M., Gallois, C. and Callan, V. J. (2000). Communicating leadership, direction, and team identity: Managers' communication style and employee motivation. The 5th AHRSM Conference, Bahrain, 03-05 Oct 2000. Manama, Bahrain: Arabian Society for Human Resource Management.

Communicating leadership, direction, and team identity: Managers' communication style and employee motivation

2000

Journal Article

Accommodating power in supervisor-supervisee communication: A content analysis

Willemyns, M., Gallois, C. and Callan, V. J. (2000). Accommodating power in supervisor-supervisee communication: A content analysis. Australian Journal of Communication, 27 (1), 129-142.

Accommodating power in supervisor-supervisee communication: A content analysis

2000

Journal Article

Predictors of ethical code use and ethical tolerance in the public sector

Ashkanasy, Neal M., Falkus, Sarah and Callan, Victor J. (2000). Predictors of ethical code use and ethical tolerance in the public sector. Journal of Business Ethics, 25 (3), 237-253. doi: 10.1023/A:1006001722137

Predictors of ethical code use and ethical tolerance in the public sector

2000

Conference Publication

Trust me, I'm your boss: Trust and power supervisor-supervisee communication

Willemyns, M., Gallois, C. and Callan, V. J. (2000). Trust me, I'm your boss: Trust and power supervisor-supervisee communication. Trust in the Workplace - Beyond the Quick Fix, Newcastle, 09-10 Nov 2000. Newcastle, NSW: University of Newcastle, NSW.

Trust me, I'm your boss: Trust and power supervisor-supervisee communication

2000

Book

Report on: Apprenticeship and Traineeship Non-completions

Callan, V. J. (2000). Report on: Apprenticeship and Traineeship Non-completions. Brisbane: Department of Employment, Training & Industrial Relations.

Report on: Apprenticeship and Traineeship Non-completions

1999

Journal Article

Strategies of accommodation: Development of a coding system for conversational interaction

Jones, E., Gallois, C., Callan, Victor J. and Barker, M. (1999). Strategies of accommodation: Development of a coding system for conversational interaction. Journal of Language And Social Psychology, 18 (2), 123-152. doi: 10.1177/0261927X99018002001

Strategies of accommodation: Development of a coding system for conversational interaction

1999

Journal Article

Employee adjustment during organisational change: The effects of organisational climate, coping resources, situational appraisal and coping strategies

Martin, A., Jones, E. and Callan, V. J. (1999). Employee adjustment during organisational change: The effects of organisational climate, coping resources, situational appraisal and coping strategies. Australian Journal of Psychology, 51 (Supplement 1999), 12.

Employee adjustment during organisational change: The effects of organisational climate, coping resources, situational appraisal and coping strategies

1999

Journal Article

Cigarette use by adolescents: Attitude-behavior relationships

OCallaghan, FV, Callan, VJ and Baglioni, A (1999). Cigarette use by adolescents: Attitude-behavior relationships. Substance Use & Misuse, 34 (3), 455-468. doi: 10.3109/10826089909035656

Cigarette use by adolescents: Attitude-behavior relationships

1999

Journal Article

Perceptions of distributive justice during planned organisational change: A social identity perspective

Tluchowska, M. and Callan, V. J. (1999). Perceptions of distributive justice during planned organisational change: A social identity perspective. Australian Journal of Psychology, 51 (Supplement 1999), 19.

Perceptions of distributive justice during planned organisational change: A social identity perspective

1999

Journal Article

A content analysis of manager-employee communication: Methodological issues

Willemyns, M., Gallois, C. and Callan, V. J. (1999). A content analysis of manager-employee communication: Methodological issues. Australian Journal of Psychology, 51 (Supplement 1999), 20.

A content analysis of manager-employee communication: Methodological issues

1998

Conference Publication

Effects of coping strategies, social support and work-nonwork conflict on shift worker's health

Pisarski, Anne, Bohle, Philip and Callan, Victor J. (1998). Effects of coping strategies, social support and work-nonwork conflict on shift worker's health.

Effects of coping strategies, social support and work-nonwork conflict on shift worker's health

1998

Journal Article

In-group bias in response to an organizational merger

Terry, D.J. and Callan, Victor J. (1998). In-group bias in response to an organizational merger. Group Dynamics, 2 (2), 67-81. doi: 10.1037/1089-2699.2.2.67

In-group bias in response to an organizational merger

1998

Journal Article

Effects of coping strategies, social support and work-nonwork conflict on shift worker's health

Pisarski, A, Bohle, P and Callan, V. J. (1998). Effects of coping strategies, social support and work-nonwork conflict on shift worker's health. Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health, 24, 141-145.

Effects of coping strategies, social support and work-nonwork conflict on shift worker's health

1998

Journal Article

Effects of coping strategies, social support and work-nonwork conflict on shift worker's health.

Pisarski, A, Bohle, P and Callan, V J (1998). Effects of coping strategies, social support and work-nonwork conflict on shift worker's health.. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 24 Suppl 3, 141-5.

Effects of coping strategies, social support and work-nonwork conflict on shift worker's health.

1998

Journal Article

Odysseus for today: Ancient and modern lessons for leaders

Latemore, G. G. and Callan, V. J. (1998). Odysseus for today: Ancient and modern lessons for leaders. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 36 (3), 76-86. doi: 10.1177/103841119903600307

Odysseus for today: Ancient and modern lessons for leaders

1997

Journal Article

Social rules and attributions in the personnel selection interview

Ramsay, S., Gallois, C. and Callan, V. J. (1997). Social rules and attributions in the personnel selection interview. Journal of Occupational And Organizational Psychology, 70 (2), 189-203. doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8325.1997.tb00642.x

Social rules and attributions in the personnel selection interview

1997

Journal Article

Service breakdowns and service evaluations: The role of customer attributions

Sparks, Beverley A. and Callan, Victor J. (1997). Service breakdowns and service evaluations: The role of customer attributions. Journal of Hospitality and Leisure Marketing, 4 (2), 3-24. doi: 10.1300/J150v04n02_02

Service breakdowns and service evaluations: The role of customer attributions

1997

Journal Article

Accent accommodation in the job interview - Impact of interviewer accent and gender

Willemyns, M., Gallois, C., Callan, V. J. and Pittam, J. (1997). Accent accommodation in the job interview - Impact of interviewer accent and gender. Journal of Language And Social Psychology, 16 (1), 3-22.

Accent accommodation in the job interview - Impact of interviewer accent and gender

1997

Journal Article

The impact of staff empowerment and communication style on customer evaluations: The special case of service failure

Sparks, BA, Bradley, GL and Callan, VJ (1997). The impact of staff empowerment and communication style on customer evaluations: The special case of service failure. Psychology & Marketing, 14 (5), 475-493. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1520-6793(199708)14:53.3.CO;2-C

The impact of staff empowerment and communication style on customer evaluations: The special case of service failure

1997

Journal Article

Effect of self-monitoring and national culture on follower perceptions of personal charisma and charismatic message

Weierter, S. J. M., Ashkanasy, N. M. and Callan, V. J. (1997). Effect of self-monitoring and national culture on follower perceptions of personal charisma and charismatic message. Australian Journal of Psychology, 49 (2), 101-105. doi: 10.1080/00049539708259860

Effect of self-monitoring and national culture on follower perceptions of personal charisma and charismatic message

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

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