Assessing the Impact of the National Blueprint: Increasing Physical Activity Among Adults Age 50 and Older
The National Blueprint: Increasing Physical Activity Among Adults Age 50 and Older was developed by more than 50 national organizations to promote physical activity among older adults. To date, no researchers have systematically evaluated the impact of the National Blueprint on the physical-activity-related policies and programs of the 50 participating organizations. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the National Blueprint on the policies, programs, and organizational culture of selected national organizations. The theoretical model selected to assess the impact of the National Blueprint on organizational behavior was Burke's System Theory of Organizational Change. Three organizations, AARP, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and Administration on Aging (AoA), had been selected for study. Two individuals, one holding a senior level and one a junior level position, in each of the above organizations were selected for the interview. Two techniques, semi-structured and open-ended interview and document review, were used in the data collection process. Findings showed the publication/establishment of the National Blueprint resulted in significant changes to the operating procedures of AARP, ACSM, and AoA. The results were broadly consistent with Burke's system theory of organizational change. This was reflected in the behavior of leaders, organization culture, policies, programs, and individual/organizational performance. The new information generated has increased our understanding of the impact of health campaigns on organizational change.
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign