Employee isolation and support for change in the public sector: a study of the internal audit profession |
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Authors: | Catherine Liston-Heyes Luc Juillet |
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Affiliation: | 1. Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canadaclistonh@uottawa.ca;3. Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACTWe investigate the preferences of public sector internal auditors for changes in their work practices. Informed by the literature, we posit that feelings of trust in the workplace and/or frustrations arising from perceived organizational ‘isolation’—a dimension of work alienation—motivate support and acceptance of change. We also argue that professional bodies directly and indirectly influence these relationships. These conjectures are tested using structural equation modelling and a survey of Canadian public sector internal auditors. The findings provide valuable insights into the process of adaptation and transformation in public sector settings across countries, jurisdictions, and accountability functions. |
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Keywords: | Internal audit public sector organizational psychological safety organizational psychological isolation professional bodies |
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