Det svåra uppdraget - en studie om chefers upplevelser och erfarenheter vid avslutande av anställningar inom offentlig sektor

Sammanfattning: ABSTRACT Author: Göran Hjertstrand Title: The difficult task – a study of experiences among public sector executives in ending employments [translated title] Supervisor: Charlotta Zettervall Assessor: Agneta Hedblom The purpose of this study was to examine experiences among public sector executives in ending employments. The study was based on semi structured interviews with five health and welfare executives in different municipalities of southern Sweden. In the analysis of the study, two theoretical perspectives were used: Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical perspective and a perspective on social power. As a conclusion, all executives considered ending employments as a difficult, emotional and demanding task. It seemed that the removal process to some extent had both physical and mental effects on its performers. Two main themes were discovered that had an impact on the experience of the termination: the reason of the removal and the perceived distance between executive and employee. A complex situation was being described in which executives had to balance a professional and compassionate approach as well as strong and mixed emotions. Findings also demonstrated the importance of documentation and the difficulties in communication regarding the termination. Experience seemed to make the process easier to handle even though every process were being described as unique. In general, the executives regarded their own organizations as important sources of support.