Volvo Cars export av svensk föräldraledighetskultur : En fallstudie av Volvo Cars föräldraledighetspolicy ”Family Bond”

Sammanfattning: This thesis examined why an actor in the labor market, namely Volvo Cars, promotes parental leave. Previous research has shown that workplace-related factors are important for parents' use of parental leave. The purpose of this thesis was thus to highlight how actors in the labor market have the ability to influence the use of parental leave and, by extension, the development of gender equality. This thesis utilized an explanatory analysis of two policy documents and an information film about the Family Bond and three interviews with employees at Volvo Cars. The results showed that one of the reasons why Volvo Cars introduced the "Family Bond" is the company's desire to create equal opportunities for all. "Family Bond" is thus also part of Volvo Cars' inclusive approach in the sense that the company recognizes that parenting and family constellations can look different. A second reason for the implementation is Volvo Cars' aim to contribute to equal parenting. In addition, Volvo Cars believes that paid parental leave, by enabling the company to recruit and retain more women in the company, leads to more diversified perspectives which in turn drives innovation, creativity, improves productivity and the company's operations. A fourth reason for the introduction of the "Family Bond", which is also the most prominent, is that this parental leave policy is part of the entire Volvo Cars corporate culture, which is centered around the human being and the family.