Toward a Comprehensive Understanding of Readiness for Change: The Case for an Expanded Conceptualization

One important factor influencing the successful implementation of system-wide change is initial readiness. Readiness is defined as the degree to which those involved are individually and collectively primed, motivated and technically capable of executing the change. We present a conceptual framework that highlights how the extant understanding of readiness has addressed three broad areas that include individual factors (i.e. characteristics of those being asked to change), structural factors (i.e. circumstances under which the change is occurring) and the level of analysis (i.e. individual and organizational levels). Following on from this, we provide an outline of how the articles making up this Special Issue are contributing to this understanding offering theoretical support which will provide for meaningful and substantial extensions as readiness research advances.