Per Granath, Stefan Alariksson and Sverker Axelsson
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is in the process of transition from paper‐based to electronic administration. This process includes the…
Abstract
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is in the process of transition from paper‐based to electronic administration. This process includes the introduction of new methods that are based on routines and functions for electronic document management. The electronic administration is adapted to the legal requirements of the Swedish public sector and also includes the agency’s register of incoming and outgoing mail and archives. In the article the authors present the operational concept behind the major process of change being implemented by Sida and its anticipated effects together with the consequences of the change for archives work. Finally, an explanation of the Swedish principle of public access to official records and other legal aspects that affect Sida’s project for an electronic administration is provided.
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Bo Bergman, Bengt Klefsjö and Lars Sörqvist
The aim of this paper is to investigate the development of the quality movement in Sweden since the mid-20th century. The authors are convinced that a summary of the Swedish…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to investigate the development of the quality movement in Sweden since the mid-20th century. The authors are convinced that a summary of the Swedish quality journey so far will offer important lessons for further quality improvements in Sweden and elsewhere.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors study how the quality movement has been included in the industrial agenda and how it has been adopted in student curricula and in research. The authors have a focus on how business leaders have learnt, adopted, adapted and innovated with respect to quality development. often in collaboration with academia.
Findings
Although the quality movement has fit well with the Swedish culture and that successful corporate leaders have successfully used the specific cultural characteristics there is still a lot to be learnt with respect to the public sector, where the ideas from the quality movement have problem to overcome institutional barriers.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to the Swedish context.
Practical implications
There is a serious need to revitalize the public sector by getting leaders and politicians to understand the need for systematic quality improvement.
Social implications
If future Swedish achievements with respect to healthcare and other social welfare elements are to once again become world-class, the public sector needs to be open-minded and collaborate with the industrial sector and academia to find cost-effective strategies for making quality improvements. However, the private sector must also be alert not to be overtaken by some highly active Asian countries.
Originality/value
Swedish large companies have been very successful in applying quality leadership – however, in the public sector, this has not been the case. Suggestions for improvement are made.