30
Society
OCTOBER 2015
Monash University
A g e n t s o f ch a n g e
BehaviourWorks Australia If you want to
change people’s behaviour, it helps to have a clear
understanding of why they do what they do.
Words Rebecca Jennings
W
hat does an eagle have to do with organisational behaviour change?
A lot, according to Associate Professor Liam Smith, who has led
the applied research centre BehaviourWorks Australia since its
inception in 2011. His interest in why people behave the way they
do – and the tie-in with eagles – stems from PhD and postdoctoral research in
which he explored whether the emotions people feel while visiting a zoo influence
behaviour change, in particular a stronger preparedness to support conservation.
The assumption was that people observing, close up, beautiful or fascinating
animals from the wild would be more compelled to protect them. He found this
was not necessarily the case.
Instead, the “wow factor” experienced by first-time zoo-goers actually distracted
people from conservation messages. In the context of a free-flight bird show featuring
ClimateWorks Australia A research-toaction initiative is helping businesses and
governments prosper in a low-carbon economy.
Words Rebecca Jennings
C
l