Readiness for change : evidence from a study of early childhood care and education centers

This study examines factors that influence staff members’ readiness for
change in early childhood settings in Ireland. The introduction of a new
national framework, designed to improve the quality of Early Childhood
Care and Education Centers (ECCECs), has been piloted in several
communities. This study measures support for this change in
organizational practices using the Organizational Change Recipients’
Belief Scale and uses correlation analysis to determine how readiness for
change is linked to job satisfaction and the work environment. Results
show that individual staff characteristics had little impact on support for
the change, while factors related to group dynamics were significantly
associated with readiness for change. Specifically, a positive work
environment and greater job satisfaction were associated with a lower
belief that there is a need for change, but a higher belief that the staff will
be supported by management if the change is introduced.