Publikationer från Södertörns Högskola
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Mellan mod och tystnad : Om konformitet och lydnad mot auktoritet, och gruppens påverkan på avvikande åsikter i arbetslivet
No full textObedience and conformity are central concepts in social psychology, long examined in relation to group dynamics and authority. This study investigates how obedience and conformity against authority in workplace group settings influence individuals’ willingness to voice dissenting opinions in the presence of authority. The guiding research question is: How do conformity and obedience, individually or in interaction, influence individuals’ propensity to refrain from expressing dissenting opinions in workplace group contexts when faced with authority figures? Semi-structured interviews, conducted both online and in person, were guided by the Critical Incident Technique (CIT). Ten participants (eight women and two men), employed in organizations with at least ten staff members, provided accounts of 25 incidents, which were categorized into Loyalty, Sexual harassment, Disagreements, Power, and Values. The findings indicate that conformity pressures, hierarchical structures, and the presence of authority significantly influence whether individuals remain silent or express divergent views. Respondents often described remaining silent as a consequence of strong conformity and dependency pressures, though personal values, loyalty, and professional conviction occasionally motivated resistance, even at the risk of conflict or negative consequences
Gröna rutter i en grå stad : Hållbarhet i Stockholms sightseeing
No full textThis study explores how sightseeing companies in Stockholm approach sustainability, with a particular focus on environmental practices. While sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue in tourism, little research has examined how small and medium-sized urban operators apply sustainability principles in practice. Through a qualitative multi-case study, the thesis investigates four sightseeing companies using semi-structured interviews, document analysis and 23 short field interviews with tourists. The analysis is guided by three theoretical frameworks: the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), stakeholder theory, and legitimacy theory. Findings show that companies differ significantly in their environmental strategies and how they communicate their sustainability efforts. Some, like Sightseeing Ride, use sustainability as a core part of their brand, while others, such as Red Sightseeing and Ocean Bus, show limited external communication despite taking some internal actions. Strömma, the most established operator, presents a structured and transparent approach. The study also reveals that public actors and tourists play a key role in shaping companies’ priorities, although expectations from these stakeholders are not always aligned. Furthermore, tourists’ awareness and perception of sustainability messaging vary widely. The results highlight a gap between companies’ internal actions and their external communication, and suggest that clearer, more integrated sustainability narratives may strengthen both credibility and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving urban tourism landscape.
"Have you ever been hit on by a Phu-Chai (Man)?" : Representationer av Thailands sexualitets- och könsnormer i BL-dramat Only Friends
No full textThe thesis aims to analyze the Thai BL-drama Only Friends using critical discourse analysis asdeveloped by Norman Fairclough. The study is a queer hybridization of Judith Butler's theory ofperformativity and Thailand's sex/gender system as described by Peter A. Jackson, examining how theBL-formula portrayed in the series either reflects or contradicts Thailand's social practices and whetherthe series diverges from the BL-genre itself. The results show that Only Friends presents a reality wherequeer relationships are the norm, but it does so while balancing walking back and forward on theheterosexual norms of masculinity and femininity that exist in Thailand's society. The characters in OnlyFriends breaks away from the traditional BL-genre by challenging the discursive frameworks of thegenre and mirrors Thailand's social relational practices more closely, though it does so in a way thatdoesn't fully free it from the genre's conventions
Behind the Seams : Unveiling Sustainability Reporting Practices in the Fast Fashion Industry
No full textThis study explores the various sustainability reporting practices of fast fashion companies. As the fast fashion industry faces increasing pressures over its environmental and social impacts, the need for transparent and accountable sustainability reporting has become of greatest importance. By using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines a systematic literature review with a thematic content analysis of sustainability reports to identify key themes and strategies in reporting practices, focusing on the strategies employed by Boohoo, H&M, Primark, Lindex, and River Island. The findings reveal valuable insights into the various sustainability reporting strategies by fast fashion companies, inter alia, illustrate their commitment to transparent practices. However, while companies demonstrate a commitment to transparency and traceability, significant variations exist in the comprehensiveness and authenticity of their disclosures. The study highlights the influence of stakeholder theory and institutional pressures on reporting practices, as well as the challenges faced by companies in achieving meaningful sustainability outcomes. Despite the limitations of the research, including a narrow focus on select brands and potential biases in reported data, the study contributes valuable insights into the effectiveness of sustainability reporting as a tool for promoting corporate responsibility in the fast fashion industry. Recommendations for improving reporting practices and enhancing stakeholder engagement are also discussed, with focus on the importance of genuine commitment to sustainability beyond mere compliance
Hur jämförbara är hållbarhetsrapporter? : En studie om jämförbarheten av hållbarhetsrapporter inom metallindustrin
No full textHållbarhetsrapportering har fått stor betydelse i dagens samhälle. Däremot så har bristen på standardisering i sådana rapporter resulterat i jämförbarhetsutmaningar, vilket har gjort det svårt för intressenter att bedöma om företag bara säger att de bidrar till en hållbar framtid eller arbetar mot en hållbar framtid. Denna uppsats belyser informationsasymmetri i hållbarhetsrapportering, med fokus på GRI-2016-standarderna och metallindustrin. Studien undersöker hur sektorspecifika faktorer påverkar transparens och jämförbarhet i hållbarhetsrapporter, och problematiserar behovet av ökad transparens trots befintliga standarder. Genom att analysera perioden 2020–2021 ger studien en historisk kontext som kan användas för att förstå effekterna av framtida reformer inom hållbarhetsrapportering. Studien undersöker de tio största företagen inom metallindustrin, som baseras på omsättning, för att illustrera det kontinuerliga behovet av ökad transparens inom hållbarhetsrapportering. Genom att använda en kvalitativ forskningsansats analyserar studien sekundära data och utvärderar hållbarhetsrapporter med hjälp av ett kodningsramverk som utformats med hjälp av tidigare studier inom detta ämne. Ramverket bedömer jämförbarheten i olika företags hållbarhetsrapporter. För att kontextualisera resultatet tillämpas teorierna om legitimitet och intressenter, i syfte att belysa hur strategisk kommunikation och externa påtryckningar påverkar dessa rapporters trovärdighet och transparens. Resultaten ger en viss konsekvens när det gäller rapporteringspraxis, men det understryker också behovet av förbättrad standardisering för att förbättra jämförbarheten mellan företag. I slutändan, för att avsluta denna studie, betonar resultaten vikten av fortsatta ansträngningar för att förfina standarder för hållbarhetsrapportering, särskilt när industrier övergår till ramverk som GRI-2021. Med det sagt är detta vad som krävs för att överbrygga klyftan i informationsasymmetri och öka transparensen i hållbarhetsrapporter, det behövs också för att stödja intressenter i att fatta välinformerade beslut.Sustainability reporting has gained significant importance in contemporary society. However, the lack of standardization in such reports has resulted in comparability challenges, which has made it difficult for stakeholders to assess whether companies just say they are contributing to a sustainable future or working towards a sustainable future. This essay sheds light on information asymmetry in sustainability reporting, focusing on the GRI-2016 standards and the metals industry. The study examines how sector-specific factors affect transparency and comparability in sustainability reports and problematizes the need for increased transparency despite existing standards. By analyzing the period 2020–2021, the study provides a historical context that can be used to understand the effects of future reforms in sustainability reporting.The study examines the ten largest companies within the metal industry, which is based on turnover, to illustrate the continuous need for greater transparency within sustainability reporting. By utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study analyzes secondary data and evaluates sustainability reports by using a coding framework that was designed with the assistance of previous studies within this topic. The framework assesses the comparability of different companies’ sustainability reports. To contextualize said findings, the legitimacy and stakeholder theories are applied, aiming to highlight how strategic communication and external pressures influence the credibility and transparency of these reports. The results provide some consistency regarding the reporting practice however it also underscores the need for enhanced standardization regarding improving comparability across companies. Ultimately, to conclude this study the findings emphasize the importance of continued efforts to refine sustainability reporting standards, particularly when industries transition to frameworks such as GRI-2021. With that said this is what is required to bridge the gap in information asymmetry and increase transparency in sustainability reports, it is also needed to support stakeholders in making well informed decisions
Mentorskap i revisionsyrket : En studie om juniora revisorer och mentorers upplevelser av mentorskapets påverkan på inlärning
No full textRevisionsbranschen kännetecknas av hög arbetsbelastning och föränderliga arbetsuppgifter vilket kräver mycket av den enskilda revisorn. Nyblivna revisorers inlärningsprocess befinner sig i ständig utveckling, till följd av förändringar i samhället. I det avseendet var det särskilt aktuellt att diskutera juniora revisorers inlärningsprocess mer ingående och huruvida mentorskap kan främja juniorernas inlärning. Detta ledde fram till studiens syfte som var att undersöka juniora revisorer och mentorers upplevelser av mentorskapets påverkan på inlärningsprocessen. Genom att analysera båda gruppers erfarenheter syftade således studien till att ge revisionsbyråer insikter i hur de kan hantera mentorskapet för att bidra till en effektivare inlärningsprocess för juniorerna. Genom att tillämpa semistrukturerade intervjuer som genomfördes med juniora revisorer och seniora revisorer (mentorer) har forskarna kunnat identifiera upplevelser från respektive grupper. Studiens två teorier, den sociala kognitiva teorin och mentorskapsteorin användes för att analysera empirin. Tidigare forskning som belyst mentorskapets påverkan i revisionsbranschen och inlärningsprocessen används således i studiens diskussion för att diskutera studiens resultat. Studiens resultat indikerar på att både juniorer och mentorer har positiva upplevelser av mentorskapets påverkan på inlärningsprocessen. Juniorerna upplever mentorsstöd från en mer erfaren kollega vital för deras inlärning och mentorerna instämmer och belyser sitt arbete i att stödja sina juniorer som vitala för juniorers inlärningsprocess. Av studien framgår att observera en mentor, att juniorer aktivt imiterar det observerade beteendet och att mentorn tillhandahåller junioren motivationsfaktorer som stärker självförtroendet hos en junior främjar inlärningsprocessen. Studien belyser dessutom en utmaning som präglar både juniorerna och mentorerna, nämligen högsäsong. Under perioder då det råder högsäsong har mentorskapet inte kunnat bidra lika effektivt för juniorernas lärande, vilket relateras till den höga arbetsbelastningen och tidspressen under dessa perioder. The auditing industry is characterized by high workload and changing tasks, which demands a lot from the individual auditor. The learning process of new auditors is in constant development, as a result of changes in society. In this regard, it was particularly relevant to discuss the learning process of junior auditors in more detail and whether mentoring can promote juniors' learning. This led to the purpose of the study, which was to investigate junior accountants and mentors' experiences of the impact of mentorship on the learning process. By analysing the experiences of both groups, the study thus aimed to provide audit firms with insights into how they can manage mentoring to contribute to a more effective learning process for juniors. By applying semi-structured interviews conducted with junior auditors and senior auditors (mentors), the researchers have been able to identify experiences from each group. The study's two theories, social cognitive theory and mentoring theory, are used to analyze the empirical data. Previous research that has highlighted the impact of mentorship in the audit industry and the learning process is thus used in the studies discussion to discuss the study's results. The results of the study indicated that both juniors and mentors have positive experiences of the impact of mentorship on the learning process. The juniors experience mentoring support from a more experienced colleague as vital to their learning, and the mentors agree and highlight their work in supporting their juniors as vital to the juniors' learning process. The study shows that observing a mentor, that juniors actively imitate the observed behavior, and that the mentor provides the junior with motivational factors that strengthen the junior's self-confidence, promotes the learning process. The study also highlights a challenge that characterizes both the juniors and the mentors, namely the peak season. During periods of high season, mentoring has not been able to contribute as effectively to the juniors' learning, which is related to the high workload and time pressure during these periods.
Digital Competence Development in the Education Sector : A Qualitative Study of Organizational Culture, Job Performance, and Motivation
No full textThe study examines how the development of digital competence affects employee´s performance and motivation, as well as the impact of digitalization on organizational culture within school organizations. There the incorporation of digital resources, like digital tools and technologies has become even more embedded in the school organizations together with other types of organizations. Not only to increase the quality of professional practices but also to meet the increasing demands of a digitized society. Through the use of a qualitative research approach this study has collected data by using semi-structured interviews together with teachers, principals, and people who can be seen as experts in digitalization, primarily from municipal schools in the Stockholm area. This master study looks at various challenges and opportunities related to digital competence development. The results that are presented in this study shows that the development of digital competence has a positive impact on the employee's performance by increasing the efficiency and flexibility in their professional practices. At the same time, it creates an organizational culture that tries to always strive for learning and adaptability, which is very important when it comes to a rapidly changing digital environment. However, the study also shows certain challenges, such as technological stress and the need for customized support systems to help the employees' navigation under a digital transformation. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of a supportive organizational culture to ensure that the implementation of the digital resources is as successful as possible. The study tries to contribute to a deeper understanding of how digital competence development could be seen into school organizations and, together with the theories discussed, underscores its importance for both increasing the employees feeling of motivation and raising the organizational efficiency in educational organizations.Denna studie undersöker hur utvecklingen av digital kompetens påverkar medarbetares prestation och motivation samt dess inverkan på organisationskultur inom skolorganisationer. Digitalisering och integreringen av digitala verktyg och teknologier har blivit mer och mer inkorporerad i skolorganisationer, inte bara för att förbättra metoden till yrkesutövning, utan också för att möta de växande kraven i ett digitaliserat samhälle. Genom en kvalitativ forskningsansats har data samlats in med hjälp av semistrukturerade intervjuer. De som intervjuades var lärare, rektorer samt experter inom digitalisering från bland annat kommunala skolor i Storstockholm. Uppsatsen utforskar med hjälp av dessa olika möjligheter och utmaningar som är kopplade till digital kompetensutveckling. De resultat som presenteras i denna uppsats visar på bland annat att utvecklingen av digital kompetens, har en positiv inverkan på anställdas prestationer genom ökad flexibilitet och effektivitet vid anställdas yrkesutövning. Samtidigt bidrar detta till en organisationskultur av att ständigt eftersträva lärande och kunna anpassa sig, vilket är avgörande i en snabbt föränderlig digital miljö och omvärld. Denna uppsats visar dock även på vissa utmaningar, såsom teknologisk stress och behovet av anpassade system för stöd för att underlätta anställdas hantering av den digitala omställningen. Dessutom belyser undersökningen vikten av en stödjande organisationskultur för att säkerställa att genomförandet av digitala initiativ blir så framgångsrikt som möjligt. Denna studie bidrar till en viss förståelse av hur digital kompetensutveckling skulle kunna bidra genom att inkorporeras i skolorganisationer och denna uppsats understryker tillsammans med teorierna dess betydelse för att både ge de anställda ökad motivation och stärka organisationens effektivitet
An Ethnohistory of Souls and Violence : On the Animation of Humans among the Recent Past Animists of Northwestern Siberia and Animism in Hunter-gatherer Archaeology
No full textIn this paper, I question the view that prehistoric animism(s) were solely peaceful ideologies with a focus on caring for the environment and its non-human co-inhabitants. While this is true in many cases when surveying the ethnographic materials for analogies, the same materials also show a different side of animism(s) that legitimise human violence and warfare. By analysing the ethnohistory in relation to the ethnolinguistics and the material culture of northwestern Siberia, I argue that archaeologists must rethink the notion of human animation and consider the complexity of animism(s) that includes both peaceful and violent aspects which, based on archaeological materials, also existed within prehistoric animism(s).
Toward transformative youth climate justice : Why youth agency is important and six critical areas for transformative youth activism, policy, and research
No full textThe involvement of youth in climate actions is increasingly recognized as critical to amore just and sustainable future. Despite progress in youth climate justice (CJ) activism, research and decision-making, gaps and challenges persist. Drawing on existing literature, first, we identify three key reasons for authorities to take youth involvement in climate actions seriously, namely (a) human rights and justice, (b) efficiency, and (c) legitimacy of policy actions. Second, we propose six critical areas for policy, research, and the youth movement to deliver transformative youth CJ: (1) closing the climate finance (i.e., adaptation and loss and damage) gap in a way that prioritizes youth-responsive activities, especially in climate impact-prone regions of the world; (2) adopting an intersectional approach to CJ that challenges homogenization of the youth CJ movement, accounts for the diverse experiences, needs and perspectives of different youth, and addresses intersecting structural forms of discrimination that particularly hamper the agency of racialized youth in the global South and North; (3) youth must recast their justice frameworks and channel their activism mode (e.g., buycott) toward challenging and resisting green extractivism, the necropolitical and ecocidal effects of which are concentrated in post-colonies and other racialized contexts; (4) knowledge co-production with youth must confront the risk of knowledge coloniality, extraction and power; (5) youth should engage in more-than-human CJ activism, recognizing the intertwined fate of youth and more-than-human nature; (6)as legitimate representatives of future generations, youth should consider claiming their space in legislative arenas to ensure the protection of future generations. The involvement of youth in climate actions is increasingly recognized as critical to amore just and sustainable future. Despite progress in youth climate justice (CJ) activism, research and decision-making, gaps and challenges persist. Drawing on existing literature, first, we identify three key reasons for authorities to take youth involvement in climate actions seriously, namely (a) human rights and justice, (b) efficiency, and (c) legitimacy of policy actions. Second, we propose six critical areas for policy, research, and the youth movement to deliver transformative youth CJ: (1) closing the climate finance (i.e., adaptation and loss and damage) gap in a way that prioritizes youth-responsive activities, especially in climate impact-prone regions of the world; (2) adopting an intersectional approach to CJ that challenges homogenization of the youth CJ movement, accounts for the diverse experiences, needs and perspectives of different youth, and addresses intersecting structural forms of discrimination that particularly hamper the agency of racialized youth in the global South and North; (3) youth must recast their justice frameworks and channel their activism mode (e.g., buycott) toward challenging and resisting green extractivism, the necropolitical and ecocidal effects of which are concentrated in post-colonies and other racialized contexts; (4) knowledge co-production with youth must confront the risk of knowledge coloniality, extraction and power; (5) youth should engage in more-than-human CJ activism, recognizing the intertwined fate of youth and more-than-human nature; (6)as legitimate representatives of future generations, youth should consider claiming their space in legislative arenas to ensure the protection of future generations
