Challenges and contexts in mandated organizational change: Consolidation in Alberta's health care system

Abstract

The research reported here is a case study of mandated consolidation in the organization of Alberta's health care system. Informed by the concept of organizational context, this study illustrates the complexity of factors affecting outcomes of mandated change and draws implications for theory and practice. Consolidation of separate agencies was initiated in 2008. Data were obtained through 2020 via interviews of key informants, reviews of official documents, and searches of news media. Ultimately, the mandate appears to have succeeded, but at substantial and potentially avoidable cost. An understanding of multiple dimensions of context can contribute to successful strategies for change.