Organisational change within DPI: Minimising (t)errors and seizing opportunities?

Abstract

When government priorities change, departmental organisations like the Department of Primary Industries, Queensland (DPI) go through a transition phase characterised by uncertainty. This uncertainty affects staff morale and reduces productivity. Lik e other agency staff, extension officers need to realise that change is a natural event and that uncertainty is a normal phase in any change process. Extension officers should consider these changes as an opportunity to enhance their profession as a whole. They may even want to consider taking on a facilitating role to help manage organisational change. Extension officers need to take every opportunity to better understand changing client needs. This is the only way for extension to remain relevant.