Providing business intelligence for those in the
business of managing multilateralism.
What we do and why
ReformWorks is an independent research organization that provides business intelligence and change management support to enhance the performance of international organizations. Through our work, we aim to build a knowledge network of researchers, practitioners and policymakers who share the aim of making the management of international organizations more effective.
Too often, policymakers and practitioners in international organizations rely on private sector best practices when designing management reforms. Yet, there is a growing body of academic research that demonstrates that the intergovernmental character of international organizations creates a unique management context. ReformWorks was founded by Katja Hemmerich, a management practitioners and Practitioner-in-Residence at the University of St. Gallen, to bridge that knowledge gap between research and practice that she experienced firsthand.
One of the unique and fundamental aspects that influences how well an international organization performs is the interaction between its managers and its member states. Our goal is to equip managers and member state decision-makers with the data and analysis necessary to find common ground for enhancing organizational performance. Our products and services are informed by independent research specific to international organizations and by best practices from across the UN system and other international organizations. ​
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Our team and contributors
With more than 20 years of experience in management roles in the UN system, our Managing Director, Katja Hemmerich, has extensive experience in developing and negotiating performance improvement strategies with senior leadership and member states (in the Fifth Committee as well as troop and police-contributing countries). She understands the type of results-based information needed for them to take effective decisions. Having worked on multiple UN interagency strategic planning, risk management, learning and recruitment initiatives, she also appreciates that each UN entity, like all international organizations, have their own unique management policymaking process that shapes decision-making and organizational performance. In 2020, Ms. Hemmerich was a finalist for the UN Secretary-General's Award for Changing the Way We Work, after being nominated by her team as a "Manager with Profound Impact'.
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ReformWorks is grateful for the spotlight contributions and learning support received from the following researchers and practitioners: Dr. Hannah Davies, Jose Veliz, Dr. Ronny Patz and Simone Anzboeck. We also appreciate the opportunity to be a guest contributor to the following organizations:
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Most importantly, our website and social media presence would not be possible without the support of Evelyn Alberty and One Girl Guru, as well as our first intern, Moses Mbasa.
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If you are a researcher interested in contributing through a spotlight article on your research on the management of international organizations or by collaborating on a learning event, please fill out the following form.
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Related research spotlights
Why is Organizational Change in the UN so Difficult?
Explore our case study of how the ITU successfully gained crucial member state support for their management reforms.
Why Corporate Governance Reforms don't Translate to UN Boards
Learn more about the different governance structures and risks of ignoring these differences.
Can International Organizations be Accountable: Practice vs. Evidence
Explore the politics of accountability and effective approaches, despite the politics.