Publikationer från Högskolan i Gävle
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From Intention to Action: A Study on the Psychological Factors Behind Entrepreneurship
No full textSyfte: Studien undersöker sambandet mellan personlighetsdrag hos individer med entreprenöriell intention och hos de som faktiskt startat företag. Det företagsekonomiska problemet rör diskrepansen mellan intresse för entreprenörskap och faktisk företagsstart. Genom att analysera specifika psykologiska faktorer syftar studien till att öka förståelsen för vad som skiljer intention från handling. Metod: En kvantitativ webbenkät genomfördes via Google Forms. Mätinstrumenten var BFI-2-XS, Grit-S och frågor baserade på Self-Determination Theory. Två grupper jämfördes: studenter och verksamma entreprenörer i Sverige. Analysen gjordes i SPSS med deskriptiv statistik och korrelationer. Resultat och slutsats: Inom studentgruppen fanns starka samband mellan personlighet och motivation, särskilt neuroticism och öppenhet. Hos entreprenörer identifierades färre men oväntade samband, som mellan extraversion och autonomi. Uthållighet korrelerade endast med kompetens. Resultaten visar att olika psykologiska faktorer kan spela olika roller beroende på individens fas i entreprenörskapsprocessen. Studiens bidrag och vidare forskning: Studien fördjupar förståelsen av hur personlighet påverkar motivation i olika skeden av entreprenöriellt engagemang. Resultaten kan stödja utbildningsinsatser som anpassas efter individens utveckling. Framtida studier bör testa sambanden i andra kulturella kontexter, följa individer över tid, samt analysera grit mer detaljerat utifrån dess två dimensioner: passion och uthållighet.Aim: This study examines the relationship between personality traits in individuals with entrepreneurial intention and those who have actually started a business. It addresses the economic issue of the gap between entrepreneurial intention and actual venture creation. By analyzing specific psychological factors, the study aims to clarify what distinguishes intention from action. Method: A quantitative online survey was conducted using Google Forms. Instruments included the BFI-2-XS, Grit-S, and questions based on Self-Determination Theory. Two groups were compared: students and active entrepreneurs in Sweden. Data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics and correlations. Results and conclusions: Among students, strong correlations were found between personality traits and motivation, particularly neuroticism and openness. For entrepreneurs, fewer but unexpected associations emerged, such as between extraversion and autonomy. Perseverance correlated only with competence. These results suggest that psychological factors may play different roles depending on the individual's stage in the entrepreneurial process. Contribution and future research: The study enhances understanding of how personality affects motivation across stages of entrepreneurial engagement. Findings may guide educational efforts tailored to development. Future research should test these links in other cultures, track individuals over time, and examine grit’s dimensions-passion and perseverance
Sustainability Reporting Assurance and SDGs in Scandinavian Countries
No full textPurpose: To explore how the adoption of SDGs at the firm level influences sustainability reporting assurance practices in Scandinavian countries, with a specific focus on micro-level data. Methodology: In this thesis, we analyze a panel dataset of 84 publicly traded companies from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden covering the years 2021 to 2023, for a total of 252 firm-year observations. A Pooled OLS regression model with robust standard errors clustered at the firm level was applied. Fixed effects of sector, country, and year are included to account for structural differences and time-varying trends. Findings: The findings indicate integration of SDGs into corporate governance is negatively associated with obtaining external assurance, suggesting firms might be referencing SDGs more for their symbolic value than substantively. Firm size has a positive and significant effect and leverage is negatively associated with assurance. Originality: This thesis addresses the issue of SDGs adoption both substantively and symbolically. It provides new evidence from the Scandinavian region—considered a sophisticated region regarding ESG compliance—which demonstrates that alignment with SDGs does not necessarily result in greater accountability through assurance. This research adds more complexity to the discussion regarding genuine SDG commitment and symbolic practices. Research limitations: The analysis is constrained by a brief three-year timeframe and focus on the four Scandinavian countries as a single geographic unit, which can limit broader applicability. In addition, the depth and quality of assurance is overlooked as the study employs a binary measure. Practical implications: This thesis indicates that policymakers and regulators may want to establish mandatory assurance frameworks to ensure that the verified SDGs disclosures are reliable and auditable. Social implications: The thesis demonstrates that the various stakeholders such as institutional investors, public policymakers, and the general public need to examine SDG claims critically and demand that corporations implement credible accountability frameworks to guard against mere symbolic adoption
The Rights to and Within Education in Armed Conflicts: The Case of Gaza 2023–2025
No full textThe systematic attacks against the civilian population in Gaza, including educational institutions, constitute war crimes that violate the right to education and affect not only children but also an entire culture’s ability to recover post-conflict and maintain its identity. This document review analysed the reports issued by Nations agencies to identify the types of violence that occur in educational contexts, the victims of such violence, the impact on the rights to and within education, and the educational measures implemented in response. A thematic analysis guided by Karma Nabulsi’s concept of “scholasticide”, Rita Segato’s “pedagogy of cruelty”, and Sara Ahmed’s “witness” was conducted. The findings reveal that the attacks on educational spaces can be interpreted as ideological strategies against the Palestinian culture due to their critical role in cultural resilience and the recovery of the Palestinian people. The reports highlight significant limitations in recognising education as a priority dimension within the framework of international humanitarian aid. Finally, the analysed documents show that children in Gaza experience feelings of abandonment based on the inaction of the international community to guarantee their right to be free from all kinds of violence
Designing and building safer schools using two visual methods for teacher evaluation
No full textEnsuring safety in school environments is a fundamental right for children, essential for fostering learning, well-being, and inclusivity. This study examines how physical design, organizational structure, educational upbringing, and social dynamics interact to influence safety in schools. Given that adult presence and professional judgments are essential to ensuring students’ right to safety, this study analyses teachers’ evaluations using two visual methods to explore how such rights are practically interpreted and enacted in school spaces. Using two complementary visual methods, Mapping and Diamond Ranking, teacher evaluations were analyzed to identify critical factors shaping perceptions of safety. The findings suggest the importance of adult presence, clearly defined spaces, and a sense of ownership in creating safe environments. Conversely, poorly designed areas, such as corridors and changing rooms, were associated with unsafety due to privacy concerns and inadequate supervision. By adapting Gislason’s school environment model to include dimensions of safety, this study offers a framework to understand how design and social factors intersect in shaping safe schools. The findings may provide insights for architects, planners, and educators seeking to foster safer and more inclusive school environments that support educational outcomes
Volvo som varumärke: en analys av identitet och kundbehov : En multimodal analys av Volvos reklamfilmer
No full textThe purpose of this study was to find out how Volvo communicated with its target and portrays customer needs in their digital commercials ''Volvo, Made By People'' and ''Volvo, Made By Sweden, Vintersaga''. The questions that were raised include: how does the car brand Volvo convince that its brand meets the customer need's through its digital commercials. How is the brand identity presented and what strategies are used to characterize it within the commercials. The theories used for this study were sociosemiotic perspective, communication strategy and marketing communication, alongisde the kapferer brand Equity prism model. The method consist of qualitative content analysis using the sociosemiotic perspective as a basis for the analysis. The commercials have been transcribed and through a strategic selection, a total of 36 selected scenes have been analyzed. The results show that Volvo presents an authentic lifestyle and routines that consumers can relate to, which creates a sense of belonging. However, they also demonstrate the car's usability in real life, which also illustrates how they meet the customer needs through their digital commercials. The results show that by using cultural characteristics, the country's roots and history are represented, which shows that there are strong cultural connections in the brand identity. The second strategy is that the brand positions itself as enviromentally concious, which they do by associating the practical functionality and efficiency in a systematic way to demonstrate the car and its speed, safety and stabilty in winter conditions. All these strategies from the results are part of the brand identity
Thoughts on and Motives for Leaving the First‐Line Manager Position: A Qualitative Study
No full textAim: The aim of this study was to describe first-line managers’ thoughts on and motives for leaving their position. Introduction: The turnover rate of first-line managers impacts healthcare organizations’ overall performance. Burnout, dissatisfaction, and desired career advancement contribute to the intention to leave. High turnover negatively impacts patient care and has financial consequences. Involving managers in decision-making, providing support, and addressing workload and resource challenges are known to be crucial factors in retaining managers. Method: Sixteen semistructured interviews were conducted with first-line managers. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings: Our study showed that some first-line managers experience difficulties at work, leading them to reach a breaking point and leave. These difficulties stem from a lack of influence, feeling unheard, and having inadequate support. Some first-line managers reach a point where they feel the need to move on, often due to personal reasons or a lack of motivation. Upon deciding to leave, managers commonly have a plan to ensure a smooth transition for their successor, aiming to help both the new manager and the unit’s staff. Conclusion: First-line managers can perceive their work situation as challenging and frustrating when they lack authority and support. This can lead to them leaving their role for reasons such as retirement, seeking more time for family, or seeking new work challenges. It is important for healthcare management to empower and support first-line managers. Smooth transitions for successors and staff are crucial, regardless of why a manager leaves
Walking is the form of physical activity people with osteoarthritis in the hip or knee choose and maintain after two years
No full textObjective To evaluate which form and type of physical activity individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis choose and maintain one and two years after an individualised intervention for physical activity and further to evaluate whether there were differences in the most chosen physical activity with regard to patient characteristics. Method Patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis from a previous randomised controlled trial, where they received individualised patient-centred counselling about physical activity and registered self-selected sessions of physical activity in a 7-day diary, were included. Sessions lasting more than 10 min and rated at least light effort were categorized, and differences were evaluated. Results Of the 94 patients included, 72.3 % were female, 72.0 % had knee osteoarthritis and mean age was 62.0 (SD 8.2) years. Women and men who preferred walking, walked on average > 4 times/week and 3–4 times/week, respectively. Everyday activities and cycling were performed 2–3 times/week by both women and men. The proportions of individuals maintaining the same activity after one and two years were 50 % for walking and 2 % for strength training. Men more often choose different activities and after two years they performed everyday activities and cycling to the same extent as walking. Individuals who chose walking were significantly older, of female gender and had lower muscle strength in the affected leg. Conclusion Walking is the form of physical activity patients with osteoarthritis most often choose, perform and maintain. Knowledge about preferred activities among patients is crucial for maintaining physical activity in the long term
Medarbetares perspektiv på empowerment kopplat till beslutsmandat inom kostnad och kvalitet
No full textSyfte: Syftet med studien är att undersöka på vilket sätt strukturell och psykologisk empowerment påverkar medarbetares möjligheter till självständigt beslutsfattande inom kostnadseffektivisering och kvalitetskontroll i en tillverkningskontext. Studien syftar också till att fördjupa förståelsen för hur organisatoriska strukturer och individens upplevelse av inflytande bidrar till ökat handlingsutrymme i det dagliga arbetet. Metod: En kvalitativ metod har använts i form av en fallstudie med semistrukturerade intervjuer. Sju intervjuer genomfördes med både produktionschefer och medarbetare på en produktionsavdelning i ett tillverkningsföretag. Det insamlade materialet transkriberades, kodades och analyserades tematiskt med stöd av empowerment-teori. Resultat och slutsats: Studien visar att både strukturell och psykologisk empowerment har betydelse för medarbetares beslutsmandat. Medarbetarna upplever stort handlingsutrymme i det dagliga arbetet, särskilt inom kvalitet och produktion, medan påverkan på strategiska beslut är mer begränsad. En tydlig balans mellan frihet, ansvar och stöd framstår som avgörande för att empowerment ska fungera effektivt i en industriell kontext. Examensarbetets bidrag: Studien bidrar med en djupare förståelse för hur empowerment fungerar i en industriell kontext. Den visar på sambanden mellan organisatoriska strukturer och individers upplevelser av inflytande och kan användas av företag som vill förbättra arbetsmiljö, kvalitet och kostnadseffektivitet genom ökat medarbetarinflytande. Förslag till fortsatt forskning: Vidare forskning kan genomföras på andra typer av organisationer eller i andra branscher för att jämföra hur empowerment påverkar beslutsmandat i olika kontexter. Det vore också relevant att undersöka hur empowerment påverkar långsiktig prestation och arbetsmiljö över tid.Aim: The aim of this study is to explore how structural and psychological empowerment influence employees’ ability to make independent decisions regarding cost efficiency and quality control in a manufacturing context. The study further seeks to deepen the understanding of how organizational structures and employees’ perception of influence contribute to increased decision-making autonomy in daily operations. Method: A qualitative case study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with seven participants, including production managers and employees at a manufacturing company. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically, guided by empowerment theory. Results and conclusions: The findings show that both structural and psychological empowerment are important for enabling employee decision-making. Employees experience a high degree of autonomy in their daily work, particularly in relation to quality and production, while their influence over strategic decisions is more limited. A clear balance between freedom, responsibility, and support appears to be crucial for empowerment to function effectively in an industrial context. Contribution of the thesis: The study contributes to a broader understanding of how empowerment functions in industrial environments. It highlights the link between organizational structures and individuals’ sense of influence and can guide companies aiming to improve work environment, quality, and cost-efficiency through increased employee autonomy. Suggestions for future research: Further studies could examine how empowerment affects decision-making in other sectors or organizational types. It would also be valuable to investigate the long-term impact of empowerment on employee performance and workplace well-being
Leading teleworkers in academia: managers' experiences and expectations for the future
No full textIntroduction: Telework is increasing in working life, especially in knowledge intense organizations as academic institutions. Managers are found crucial for performance and wellbeing outcomes in telework, but managers' perspective on leading teleworkers lacks attention. Methods: This study aimed to investigate academic managers' experiences of leading teleworkers prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their expectations for future leadership in telework. A qualitative study based on interviews with 16 academic middle managers was performed. Findings were analyzed inductively by a phenomenographic research approach. Findings: The findings show that leading teleworkers was characterized by demands posed by remote and digital communication; regulation and policies; occupational health and safety management; and new norms for leadership. Discussion: In conclusion, academic institutions need to improve organizational resources for managers' leading teleworkers to facilitate successful leadership and to secure sustainable work conditions for managers as well as for teleworking employees
Differences in the temporal patterns of occupational time on feet and sitting between homecare and nursing home workers
No full textBackground Eldercare work is physically demanding, which may contribute to high rates of sickness absence. Understanding the temporal patterns of time on feet and sitting, the latter assumed to represent recovery, and how they depend on organizational and individual factors is key to a better work organization that can effectively promote health, but this has not been studied before. Aim To describe temporal patterns of time on feet and sitting among homecare and nursing home workers and examine their associations with setting, job demands and resources, job title, and age. Methods Swedish homecare (n = 101) and nursing home (n = 73) workers wore accelerometers for 7 consecutive days to assess physical behaviors. Short (≤5 min), moderate (>5 to ≤30 min), and long (>30 min) bouts of time on feet and sitting were identified, with their relative distribution expressed in 5 ratios and analyzed using compositional data analysis procedures. Workers also completed a questionnaire on job organizational factors (job demands and resources) and individual factors (job title and age). MAN(C)OVA models were used to analyze differences in behaviors between eldercare settings, with organizational and individual factors being added in 2 consecutive models. Univariate analyses followed the multivariate models. Results Homecare and nursing home workers spent most of the workday on their feet (51.9% and 56.9%, respectively). The only statistically significant difference between settings was that homecare workers spent 30.1% less time sitting in long bouts relative to moderate and short compared to nursing home workers (P = 0.011), and this difference remained after adding covariates. Higher age was associated with more time on feet relative to sitting (P = 0.002, η2 = 0.06) and more time on feet in long bouts relative to moderate and short bouts (P = 0.001, η2 = 0.06) with medium effect sizes, as well as to more time on feet in moderate bouts relative short bouts (P = 0.011, η2 = 0.04), and less sitting in long bouts relative to moderate and short bouts (P = 0.019, η2 = 0.03) with small effect sizes. Conclusions Temporal patterns varied by setting and age, with homecare workers sitting less in long bouts than nursing home workers, and older workers spending more time on feet than younger workers. These findings suggest that work setting and worker characteristics are associated with temporal patterns of physical behavior, although most effects were small-to-moderate and their practical relevance remain uncertain and warrants further study