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Susanne Boch Wal­dorff

Professor

Subjects
Change management Public management Organisation

Primary research areas

Translation of ideas

I explore how ideas in the shape of contemporary reforms, policies and management models are translated – or implemented - into organizational practices. Already institutionalized norms and logics impact the development of local meaning, practices and outcomes.

Public sector governance

Many of my projects evolve around public sector governance, leadership, organizational change, collaboration, professions, and public value creation. Empirically I investigate the health care, police and social sectors.

Researcher in Organizational Change

Research 

My research helps public sector organizations develop change processes.  I am particularly interested in exploring how managers and professionals engage with new management ideas, facilitate organizational change and create value for citizens.  

Motivation 

I explore the interrelatedness between organizations and their wider societal context.  Multiple actors are situated within institutional contexts—where certain problems and solutions are perceived as more legitimate than others, where some voices are amplified more than others, and where some outcomes are seen as more appropriate. These dynamics give rise to friction, ongoing contestation, and deviation. I have a strong international network as well as high impact international research publications demonstrating that I contribute to theory development within this field. 

Education and teaching  

I am Associate Dean directing CBS’ large executive educational program, Master of Public Governance (MPG). I am particularly mindful of the ways in which academic knowledge is disseminated and impact managers’ practices. I am furthermore involved in research-based teaching for PhDs and executives within the areas of organization theory, organizational change and public value creation.

Recent research projects

Leadership and Partnership

I am PI in this current research project, including also another senior researcher from SDU and one post.doc. CBS. The project is an investigation of how the concept of systemic leadership is practiced and translated into practice in the context of a partnership. The funding is obtained from the Center for Childhood Health (2025-2028)

Outside activities

2025

No outside activities to report