Research

Summary page

Research

A study in difference: Structures and cultures in Australian registered training organisations - Berwyn Clayton, Thea Fisher, Canberra Institute of Technology; Roger Harris, University of South Australia; Andrea Bateman, Bateman Giles Pty Ltd; Mike Brown, University of Ballarat

This report presents the findings of a study examining organisational culture and structure in ten Australian registered training organisations (RTOs) and is part of a program of research examining the factors which affect and help build the capability of vocational education and training (VET) providers.

This study found that public providers had initiated extensive and often rapid change in response to external pressures to be more competitive and client-focused. For some, the amount and rapid pace of change had placed considerable strain on their organisations. For smaller private registered training organisations, on the other hand, change tended to be simpler and more incremental.

Key messages

Building organisational capability relies on the effective alignment of key elements within each registered training organisation. These elements include a clear vision and strategy, effective leadership and management, empowered staff and a workplace culture that encourages collaboration and networking.

There is general acceptance within registered training organisations that both structural and cultural changes are positive and will be ongoing. However, there is evidence of change fatigue and a desire for a period of structural stability.

Policy-makers need to carefully assess the potential impact of policies and regulatory arrangements on the sector's providers to ensure that these do not stifle the ability of providers to respond to their clients' needs.

A lack of autonomy, administrative rather than strategic approaches. and a silo mentality constrain organisational agility, which is not evident in public registered training organisations. Readers interested in other components of the research program on building VET provider capability, of which this report is part, should visit http://www.ncver.edu.au.

Tom Karmel
Managing Director, NCVER