Enhetschefsposition - Utmaning eller huvudvärk? : Middle Management - A Challenge or a Headache?

Sammanfattning: Abstract This is a qualitative study on what motivates personnel to apply for middle management positions within the Värmland County Police Department. This study also looks at whether or not there are differences in motivation between men and women in regards to applying for middle management positions. The study has been conducted through in-depth interviews with 17 employees of the Police Department. The material collected was analysed using the Empirical Phenomenological Method (EPP). 29 categories were generated which were then divided into four themes. The result showed that motivation can be achieved by having a more structured middle management roll whereby, for example, there are clear guidelines on the responsibility and authority you have. Support and encouragement were also named as motivating factors. With regards to differences in motivation between the sexes when applying for middle management positions it was found that there are differences. The main one being that women are more likely to degrade themselves when considering applying, thus convincing themselves that they have not got the competence that is being sought, while men are more likely never to consider the possibility that they are not suitable. Keywords: Gender, Leadership, Motivation and Organisations culture