An evaluation of the strategy to build advisory capacity in Dairy Australia’s The People in Dairy program
Project overview
Enhancing “people management”’ on dairy farms is a critical challenge for the industry and a key to continued growth. This Dairy Australia program is designed to assist farmers as they improve how they attract, deploy, retain and develop the people they need to achieve the strategic visions of their businesses.
RIRG’s involvement was at several levels: undertaking research for improved understanding of “people” issues in the dairy industry; leading the development and implementation of the program’s evaluation strategy; and identifying future research and development directions.
The Insights to Change project aimed to understand the nature of change on dairy farms in relation to people management and the role that advisers have had in supporting these changes. Research findings will be used to highlight the experiences of farmers dealing with people issues, and guide further work into helping support the learning process of farmers.
The research approach for “The People in Dairy - Insights to Change” was developed in liaison with other members of The People in Dairy core group. The approach involved the interview of advisers who have completed The People in Dairy HR Diploma, farmers that they have consulted with on people management issues, and other farmers who have participated in The Large Herds Business Retreat or PeopleGPS activities. This has provided a profile of the nature of change occurring, and how the various connections and interventions have contributed to this change.
Expected industry outcomes
- Improved understanding of the on-farm impact of The People in Dairy program which will assist in refining further development and delivery.
- A ‘story of change’ around the people dimension for investors in The People in Dairy.
Publications
- A final report is available.
- Journal paper is under development.
Industry outcomes
- Improved understanding of the motivations of private sector advisers to undertake professional development and become involved in industry change projects to inform professional development and adviser certification and accreditation programs.
- Insight into the adviser capacity building within large change management programs – to inform future investments by R&D corporations in advisory capacity building.
Project Duration
July 2010–June 2014
Research Group Leader/Key contact
A/Prof. Ruth Nettle (previous researcher: Anne Crawford)
Contact details
A/Prof. Ruth Nettle
T: 03 8344 4581
E: ranettle@unimelb.edu.au
Partnership details
Dairy Australia