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Between Expectations and Experiences

Johansson, Hanna LU and Lundquist, Eleonora LU (2024) BUSN49 20241
Department of Business Administration
Abstract
This study aims to understand how individuals perceive and respond to a reform, focusing on the dichotomy between the "surface"—the presentation of the reform—and the "substance"—the internal reality experienced by employees. Specifically, it examines the implementation of an Activity-Based Workplace (ABW) at Havsby. Utilizing a qualitative methodology within the interpretivist tradition, we adopted an abductive approach to study a single case organization, Havsby, through 11 semi-structured interviews.

Our theoretical framework explores the purpose of ABW by integrating earlier research and examining the empirical context at Havsby. Grounded in Scandinavian institutionalism, our analysis applies frameworks such as the EVLN model and... (More)
This study aims to understand how individuals perceive and respond to a reform, focusing on the dichotomy between the "surface"—the presentation of the reform—and the "substance"—the internal reality experienced by employees. Specifically, it examines the implementation of an Activity-Based Workplace (ABW) at Havsby. Utilizing a qualitative methodology within the interpretivist tradition, we adopted an abductive approach to study a single case organization, Havsby, through 11 semi-structured interviews.

Our theoretical framework explores the purpose of ABW by integrating earlier research and examining the empirical context at Havsby. Grounded in Scandinavian institutionalism, our analysis applies frameworks such as the EVLN model and concepts of cynicism and functional stupidity to theorize employee responses.

The case study reveals significant ambiguity in employee perceptions and interpretations of the new workplace setting. We identified both surface and substance elements throughout the reform process, ultimately suggesting the concept of functional acceptance as a key outcome of our study. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Johansson, Hanna LU and Lundquist, Eleonora LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
A qualitative study of individuals’ perceptions and responses to a new reform at the workplace
course
BUSN49 20241
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Scandinavian Institutionalism, Surface and Substance, Exit, Voice, Loyalty, Neglect, Cynicism, Functional Stupidity, Functional Acceptance, Activity-Based Workplace (ABW)
language
English
id
9164242
date added to LUP
2024-06-17 13:53:09
date last changed
2024-06-17 13:53:09
@misc{9164242,
  abstract     = {{This study aims to understand how individuals perceive and respond to a reform, focusing on the dichotomy between the "surface"—the presentation of the reform—and the "substance"—the internal reality experienced by employees. Specifically, it examines the implementation of an Activity-Based Workplace (ABW) at Havsby. Utilizing a qualitative methodology within the interpretivist tradition, we adopted an abductive approach to study a single case organization, Havsby, through 11 semi-structured interviews.

Our theoretical framework explores the purpose of ABW by integrating earlier research and examining the empirical context at Havsby. Grounded in Scandinavian institutionalism, our analysis applies frameworks such as the EVLN model and concepts of cynicism and functional stupidity to theorize employee responses.

The case study reveals significant ambiguity in employee perceptions and interpretations of the new workplace setting. We identified both surface and substance elements throughout the reform process, ultimately suggesting the concept of functional acceptance as a key outcome of our study.}},
  author       = {{Johansson, Hanna and Lundquist, Eleonora}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Between Expectations and Experiences}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}