Att leda på distans har aktualiserats inom flera delar av den offentliga sektorn till följd av Covid-19 pandemin och dess tillhörande restriktioner. Tillitsbaserad styrning har varit en omdiskuterad styrform som från politiska beslutsfattare har försökt implementeras i offentlig sektor. Syftet med denna kvalitativa studie är att undersöka hur ledarskapet har påverkats i den offentliga sektorn till följd av den plötsliga omställningen till distansarbete och hur arbetet med tillit kan ha påverkats. Studiens ändamål är att identifiera de möjligheter och utmaningar ett distansledarskap kan medföra samt hur tilliten påverkas när arbetet bedrivs bortkopplat från den fysiska kontorsmiljön. Det empiriskt insamlade materialet består av intervjuer med 17 ledare som är verksamma i olika delar inom den offentliga sektorn i Västra Götalandsregionen. Samtliga chefer har medarbetaransvar och har till största del utfört sitt arbete på distans under Covid-19 pandemin. Resultatet från datainsamlingen som intervjuerna bidrog med visade att cheferna har upplevt många möjligheter, men även utmaningar med att arbeta på distans. De största möjligheterna ansågs vara den ökade flexibiliteten i arbetsdagen, ökad tillit och upplevd närvaro från cheferna. Utmaningarna har varit att hantera gränsen mellan arbetstid och privatliv, att upprätthålla goda relationer när en viktig del av den sociala interaktionen försvinner och behöver ersättas, upptäcka medarbetares mående samt anpassa kommunikationen efter de förändrade förutsättningarna. Kopplat till tillit ansåg cheferna att den har ökat i arbetsgrupperna. Vidare visar studien att den plötsliga förändringen har bidragit till att en mer tillitsbaserad styrning lättare har kunnat implementeras och vara en naturlig del i arbetsvardagen. En avslutande reflektion i studien är att en medvetenhet, utformandet av alternativa kommunikationsvägar samt ett ökat känslomässigt och individuellt fokus minskar dessa risker som utmaningarna kan medföra. Ytterligare en reflektion vi kan konstatera är att tilliten spelar en central roll för att skapa en välmående arbetsgrupp och att en mer tillitsbaserad styrning är något som har upplevts positivt inom verksamheterna. Avslutningsvis kan vi fastställa att distansledarskap och tillitsskapande är en process som kräver mycket resurser samt behöver upprätthållas och underhållas över tid. / Distance leadership has become a more important aspect in several parts of the public sector as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and its restrictions. Trust-based governance has been a discussed form of governance that political decision-makers have tried to implement in the public sector. The purpose of this qualitative study is to investigate how leadership has been affected in the public sector as a result of the fast readjustment to work from distance and how the trust has been affected. The intention is to identify opportunities and challenges of distance leadership and how the work of trust is being affected when the workplace is disconnected from the physical workplace. The empirically collected material consists of interviews with 17 leaders who are active in various parts of the public sector in the region of Västra Götaland. All managers have responsibility over employees and have for the most part performed their work on distance during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The results from the data collection from the interviews showed that the managers have experienced both opportunities and challenges during the distance work. The greatest opportunities were considered to be the increased flexibility in the working day, increased trust and higher presence from the managers during the workday. The challenges have been to manage the boundary between working hours and a private life, to maintain good relations when an important part of the social interaction disappears and needs to be replaced, to discover employees' moods and to adapt communication to the changed conditions. Linked to trust, managers felt that it had increased. Furthermore, the sudden change had contributed to a more trust-based governance being easier to implement and be a natural part of everyday work. A concluding reflection in the study is that an awareness, alternative communication paths and an increased emotional and individual focus may reduce these risks. Another reflection is that trust has a central role in creating a prosperous working group and a more trust-based governance is something that has been experienced positively in the businesses. In conclusion, we can state that distance leadership and trust building is a process that requires a lot of resources and needs to be maintained over time.  This thesis is going to be written in Swedish.

Denna studie avsåg att bättre förstå social isolation bland unga från perspektivet av en socialarbetare genom att svara på följande frågor: Hur arbetar socialarbetare med isolerade unga, varför blir unga isolerade och slutligen vilken konsekvens social isolation får för de som är isolerade. Studien använde sig av en kvalitativ forskningsansats för att svara på dessa frågor genom att använda sig av semistrukturerade intervjuer som analyserades med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Det empiriska materialet analyserades utifrån ett systemteoretiskt perspektiv och analys utifrån den sociala modellen. Empirin i studien kommer från sex stycken intervjuer med socialarbetare. Resultatet av studien tyder på att socialarbetare använder sig av olika verktyg för att arbeta med socialt isolerade ungdomar, samtliga tar upp relationsskapande som ett exempel. Anledningarna till att ungdomarna blir isolerade kan vara olika, gemensamma resultat var autism, depression, avsaknad av socialt sammanhang, otillräckligt stöd från föräldrar och slutligen internetanvändning. Konsekvenser för de socialt isolerade ungdomar varierar mellan ungdom till ungdom men återkommande tema var försämrad sociala färdigheter, fysisk hälsa och mental hälsa. Vår slutsats blev att social isolation är ett omfattande problem med ett flertal olika aspekter som behöver särskild hänsyn och socialarbetare arbetar ständigt med sin förståelse av situationen och utgår främst från den unge själv och i sitt arbete ändvänder de sig av relationskapande som sitt främsta verktyg. / This study sought to better understand social isolation among youths from the perspective of social workers by answering the following questions. How do social workers work with isolated youths, why do youths become isolated and finally what consequences does social isolation cause for youths. The study used a qualitative research approach to answer these questions by also using qualitative content analysis along with perspectives rooted in general systems theory and the social model. The empirical data in this study comes from six interviews with social workers along with prior research. The results of this study suggest that social workers use various tools when working with socially isolated youths, among these all six social workers mention relationship building as an example. The reasons youth socially isolate can vary, common results were autism, depression, a lack of social context, lacking support from parents and finally internet use. Personal consequences for socially isolated youths varied from youth to youth but recurring themes were weakened social skills, physical health and mental health. Our conclusion became that social isolation is a broad problem with several different aspects that need special consideration and social workers are constantly working with their understanding of the situation and proceed from the youths themselves by utilizing relationship building techniques as their primary tool.

Abstract: Social Services offers needs-proven help- and support measures to people who need to get out of their addiction. Öppenvård (needs-proven individual help- and support intervention, through social services) is one of the Social Services' voluntary efforts aimed at adults with harmful use and or addiction problems. The substance abuse treatment that takes place at Öppenvården is of a conversational nature in the form of addiction counsellors giving clients advice and support. The study has been conducted with qualitative semi-structured interviews in one of the largest municipalities in southern Skåne, in which one section manager and six social workers have participated. The purpose of the study is to analyze social workers' experiences of addiction treatment at Öppenvården. The study analyzes the social workers' perceptions of the clients' ability to change, what conditions are required to be able to achieve a change, and how the social workers consider this to be possible. This is to be able to highlight and identify any difficulties that the social workers and their clients face in the change process. The results of the study show that success in the change process is equally dependent on the social workers' efforts and level of knowledge, the clients' attitude to lifestyle change, and the clients' conditions around their life situation. Alliance and relationship building, a secure housing situation and basic needs are important for a successful change process. In the social workers' description of the concept of change, I have found six different categories in their recipes for change: non-timed, wanting to seek help on their own, awareness, change of thought, motivation, as well as progression in a positive direction.

Studien ämnar att skapa en djupare förståelse för arbetet med gatubarn i Kilimanjaro regionen, Tanzania, samt undersöka verksamma faktorer för att främja barnens levnadsvillkor. Det empiriska materialet har samlats in genom fyra semistrukturerade intervjuer med socialarbetare från organisationen Amani Centre for Street Children. En tematisk analys användes sedan för att analysera empirin utifrån social konstruktionism, symbolisk interaktionism, identitetsskapande, kommunikationsteori och empowerment. Studiens resultat antyder att samhället har en negativ syn på barn som bor och lever på gatan, vilket leder till stigmatisering och illa behandling. Denna syn, tillsammans med barnens liv på gatan och tidigare erfarenheter i hemmet, påverkar deras självuppfattning. Trots låg självkänsla och självförtroende har barnen utvecklat en känsla av självständighet och handlingskraft för att överleva på gatan. Detta gör det svårt för dem att anpassa sig till ett liv på center, vilket utgör en av de största utmaningarna för organisationen. Slutligen framkom det att organisationen använder olika strategier i arbetet med den utsatta gruppen, inklusive ekonomiskt stöd, olika utbildningar, individuellt anpassade stödprogram samt samtal med kuratorer. Genom att identifiera strategier, framgångsfaktorer och utmaningar i arbetet, syftar studien till en fördjupad förståelse för socialt arbete i en annan kontext än den svenska, samt förbättra situationen för denna sårbara grupp. / The study aims to create a deeper understanding of the work with street children in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania, and to investigate effective factors to promote the children's living conditions. The empirical material has been collected through four semi-structured interviews with social workers at the organization Amani Centre for Street Children. A thematic analysis was then used to analyze the empirical data based on social constructionism, symbolic interactionism, identity formation, communication theory and empowerment. The results of the study suggest that society has a negative view of children living on the street, which leads to stigmatization and mistreatment. This view, together with the children's life on the street and previous experiences at home, affects their self-perception. Despite low self-esteem and self-confidence, children have developed a sense of independence and agency to survive on the streets. This makes it difficult for them to adapt to life in a center, which is one of the biggest challenges for the organization. Finally, it was found that the organization uses different strategies to work with the vulnerable group, including financial support, various trainings, individualized support programs and counseling. By identifying strategies, success factors and challenges, the study aims to deepen the understanding of social work in a context other than the Swedish one and improve the situation for this vulnerable group.

Uppsatsen undersöker hur investmentbolag i sin strategi kan använda relationsbyggande till portföljbolag och andra aktörer för att stärka sin marknadsposition. Detta görs utifrån ett fokus på de hinder som liability of outsidership representerar vid global expansion. Uppsatsen baseras på ett explorativt och kvalitativt tillvägagångssätt där primärdata i form av intervjuer med representanter från investmentbolag, samt sekundärdata i form av textuell data använts för att ge en fördjupad förståelse till ämnet. Uppsatsens resultat visar att investmentbolagens ägarandelar och styrkan i deras relationer med investerare och portföljbolagen har stor betydelse för hur väl bolaget ifråga överkommer de hinder som liability of outsidership representerar. / The thesis examines how investment companies can use relationship-building with portfolio companies and other actors in their strategy to strengthen their market position. This is done with a focus on the obstacles that the liability of outsidership represents in global expansion. The thesis is based on an exploratory and qualitative approach, where primary data in the form of interviews with representatives from investment companies, as well as secondary data in the form of textual data, have been used to provide a deeper understanding of the subject. The results of the thesis show that the ownership stakes of investment companies and the strength of their relationships with investors and portfolio companies are of great importance for how well the company in question overcomes the obstacles that the liability of outsidership represents.

Text in Afrikaans / Die doel van hierdie ondersoek is om die verskil in effek tussen direktiewe en nie-direktiewe insette van die fasiliteerder, tydens sensitiwiteitopleiding, te bepaal deur sommige kliente voor te berei op die ervaring deur middel van 'n uitdeelstuk en ander kliente nie voor te berei nie. Die sensitiwiteitgroepe word deurgaans op ongestruktureerde wyse hanteer en met behulp van 'n kwantitatiewe meting en verwerking met t-toetse asook 'n kwalitatiewe meting word hipoteses getoets. Die instrumente wat gebruik word is die POI, Rotter, Firo-B en 'n oopvraag-tegniek. Die resultate dui daarop dat persone wat voorberei word op die ervaring 'n groter interne lokus van kontrole openbaar. / The aim of this study is to determine the difference in effect between directive and non-directive inputs by the facilitator during sensitivity training, by preparing some clients for the experience with the aid of a handout while other clients go through the same experience unprepared. The sensitivity groups are run on an unstructured basis and effects are measured with a quantatitive measurement and calculated with t-tests as well as qualitative. measurement, thereby testing the hypotheses. The instruments that are used are the POI, Rotter, Firo-B and an open question technique. The results seem to indicate that people who are prepared for the experience show a higher internal locus of control. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.A. (Bedryfsielkunde)

Frågeställning: Hur bör ett företag i säkerhetsbranschen som verkar på en mogen businessto-business marknad agera för att skapa ett nytt starkt varumärke med hjälp av branding? Syfte: Syftet med rapporten är att analysera vikten av branding och betydelsen av att utformaett starkt varumärke inom business-to-business i säkerhetsbranschen. Rapporten syftar äventill att identifiera strategiska rekommendationer som G4S bör ha i åtanke vid skapandet av sitt nya varumärke. Metod: En fallstudie med induktiv ansats och kvalitativ forskningsmetod har använts vid undersökningen. Datainsamlingen har skett via intervjuer. Resultat, slutsatser: Undersökningen påvisar att branding inom business-to-business är viktigt då vi finner flera aspekter som tyder på att full rationalitet inte verkar på denna marknad. Slutsatser om hur företag på business-to-business marknaden bör arbeta med branding har dragits utifrån ett antal begrepp som vi identifierat. / Research question: How should a company in the security industry, that operates in a mature business-to-business market act to create a new strong brand using branding? Purpose: The report aims to analyze the importance of branding and the importance of designing a strong brand in business-to-business in the security industry. The report also seeks to identify strategic recommendations that G4S should keep in mind when creating their new brand. Methods: A case study with an inductive approach and qualitative research method has been used for this survey. Data has been collected through interviews. Results, conclusions: The survey shows that branding in business-to-business is important as we find several aspects that suggest that full rationality is not present in this market.Conclusions about how companies in business-to-business markets should work with branding has been drawn from a number of concepts that we have identified.

The purpose of this study is to explore the different marketing techniques accessible to fashion independent retailers and aiming to strengthen their customer relationship and attract/create a community. It also focuses on understanding the applicability and operationalization of customer relationship management marketing techniques in a specific context, here, a fashion independent retailer. / Program: Master programme in Fashion Management

The goal of the study was to develop a framework for public relations practice in the financial services sector. The study was based on four key objectives. In line with the first objective, chapters 2 and 3 reviewed how public relations was conceptualised and practiced by reviewing literature. Three worldviews, the North American, the European and African worldviews, were discussed by looking at their similarities and differences. The literature also reviewed the development of public relations from these three perspectives. Literature revealed that different models influence practices in different cultural settings and that effective PR practice cannot be premised on a single model. Objectives 2, 3 and 4 empirically analysed the conceptualisation and practice of public relations in terms of the purpose (models) and roles (activities). The study employed the one-on-one interview technique to gauge the views of communication managers in the financial services sector. The result of the study was discussed and analysed in chapter 5. Findings showed that PR was not strategic and mostly had a marketing orientation. Significantly, most of the communication managers had marketing backgrounds, which invariably affected their concept and practice of public relations. Another key finding was that public relations measurement and evaluation was based on outputs and outtakes more than outcomes. Moreover, methods used were mostly unscientific in nature. PR strategies were based on audience satisfaction surveys rather than perception and attitudinal research. Practitioners are not part of the dominant coalition. The findings showed that practitioners faced a number of challenges that compromised the effectiveness of their work, including management’s value and perception of their work, lack of in-depth knowledge about the profession itself, budgetary constraints and inability to sometimes influence decisions because of their position in the organisational structure. The findings of the study, together with findings in the literature, were used to develop a framework for effective PR practice in the sector. The framework differs in certain aspects from some of the recommendations made by literature for excellent public relations practice. The framework also incorporates recommendations aligning to the reality of public relations practice within the Ghanaian cultural and political environment. / Communication Science / D. Litt. et Phil.(Communication)

Text in Afrikaans / Die doel van hierdie ondersoek is om die verskil in effek tussen direktiewe en nie-direktiewe insette van die fasiliteerder, tydens sensitiwiteitopleiding, te bepaal deur sommige kliente voor te berei op die ervaring deur middel van 'n uitdeelstuk en ander kliente nie voor te berei nie. Die sensitiwiteitgroepe word deurgaans op ongestruktureerde wyse hanteer en met behulp van 'n kwantitatiewe meting en verwerking met t-toetse asook 'n kwalitatiewe meting word hipoteses getoets. Die instrumente wat gebruik word is die POI, Rotter, Firo-B en 'n oopvraag-tegniek. Die resultate dui daarop dat persone wat voorberei word op die ervaring 'n groter interne lokus van kontrole openbaar. / The aim of this study is to determine the difference in effect between directive and non-directive inputs by the facilitator during sensitivity training, by preparing some clients for the experience with the aid of a handout while other clients go through the same experience unprepared. The sensitivity groups are run on an unstructured basis and effects are measured with a quantatitive measurement and calculated with t-tests as well as qualitative. measurement, thereby testing the hypotheses. The instruments that are used are the POI, Rotter, Firo-B and an open question technique. The results seem to indicate that people who are prepared for the experience show a higher internal locus of control. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.A. (Bedryfsielkunde)