Changing the Rotterdam-Rijnmond regional fire service: A multi-dimensional approach for analysing strategies of change. Issue 2 (10th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koppenjan, Joop; van Sluis, Arie; van der Meer, Frans-Bauke; Kuipers, Ben; van Paridon, Kees
• Is Part Of: International journal of emergency services. Volume 9:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 123
• Page End: 141
• Publication Date: 2019-12-10
• Subjects: Organizational change -- Fire service -- Change management -- Multiple stakeholder perspectives -- Third-order change; Emergency management -- Research -- Periodicals; 363.05
• DOI: 10.1108/IJES-04-2018-0023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2047-0894

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify critical success factors for the management of complex change processes in fire service organizations and to apply these in a case study of the Rotterdam-Rijnmond fire service. Design/methodology/approach: The paper provides review of literature on organizational change, case study of the Rotterdam-Rijnmond fire service supported by the analysis of policy documents and 30 semi-structured interviews with key persons. Findings: Combining different theoretical approaches helps to get a more complete picture of important issues and dilemma's in the management of change processes – which is a first step in the successful implementation of changes – whereas other approaches tend to emphasize only some and overlook others. Applied in a case study, this approach revealed serious weaknesses in the management of change within the Rotterdam-Rijnmond fire service and offered practical guides for solutions. Originality/value: This paper combines insights from different theoretical approaches into a more integrated perspective that aims to be helpful as a practical tool for designing and implementing complex changes in fire service organizations.