Search results

The capacity of trade unions to renew themselves clearly depends on a variety of political and organisational factors. British trade unionism has long been seen as defensive, sectional and reactive. If trade unions are to develop strategically, they will need their own positive agenda. This paper looks at the obstacles and potential for doing this, utilising comparative research in the UK and Sweden.

The capacity of trade unions to renew themselves clearly depends on a variety of political and organizational factors. British trade unionism has long been seen as defensive, sectional and reactive. In contrast, Swedish unions have a reputation for interest and involvement in organizational innovation. This contrast is broadly confirmed in our case studies, though political and economic changes pose severe problems for traditional strategies in both countries. If British trade unions are to develop strategically, they will need their own positive agenda on the central workplace and societal issues. Looks at the obstacles and potential for doing this in the sphere of work organization, utilizing comparative research in the UK and Sweden.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and contextualize the outcomes of competence development as a restructuring strategy in a company that was significantly affected by the economic recession in 2008.

In the context of restructuring, increased globalization has expanded international competition that in turn has put additional pressure on organizational transformation, restructuring, reorganization and rationalization.

The result indicates that the experience of learning, commitment and job satisfaction have decreased between T1 and T2 (no difference regarding self-efficacy).

From this study, the authors can conclude that the outcomes of competence development programs are not easily interpreted. Depending on the purpose of the intervention, the results can be interpreted in different ways. It is important to approach the issue of competence development with a wise degree of skepticism.

To discusss the first concept car development project in the automotive industry managed by female engineers and designers.

An abiding concern in feminist discourses is to understand how and why women are excluded from certain positions and activities and how organizations become gendered. Drawing on the Russian literature theorist Mikhail Bakhtin, exceptional events such as concept car development projects in the automotive industry may be examined as a form of carnival wherein the predominant social order is overturned for a period of time and thereafter restored.

Exploring the “all female” project at Volvo Cars as a carnival event captures the double nature of such “affirmative” activities; on the one hand, they are giving space to marginal groups, while, on the other hand, being events that differ from the everyday work life order, they therefore risk being marginal activities with limited sustaining impact.

In theoretical terms, the paper has integrated feminist theory and Bakhtin's writing on the carnival as an institutionalized way to mediate conflict and discontent.