Självledarskap - frihet under ansvar : En kvalitativ studie om att vara sin egen chef som anställd

Sammanfattning:              The aim of the study was to investigate and gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experience of Self-Leadership among employees in organizations in Sweden with high degree of Self-Leadership Culture (SLC). To furfill the purpose, a qualitative method was applied in the form of unstructed interviews, whith four participants, which was analysed in an IPA analysis (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis).                The results showed three themes that consisted of Control, Alone isn´t always strong, Stop and reflect. Freedom was an overaching theme that was experienced as very important and highly valuated in Self-Leadership. Other themes were Control, where there being a need to experience self-control, while not wanting to be controlled by others. Alone isn´t always strong is a theme that is associated with the dilemma of wanting to be independent and perceived as a strong individual, while at the same time feeling a need for support and a belonging to others. The last theme was about the ability to stop and reflect, which in this essay means that the participants experienced value in finding and using strategies to enable them to take a break from a stressed work environment, to reflect, to keep motivated, and to plan ahead, which was sometimes perceived as a challenge.  The conclusion showed for example that it could be valuable if more employees were given the oppurtunity to work more freely under responsibilities, as it seems to be a factor in the success of both job satisfaction, performance and overall well-being. External control seemed to inhibit motivation. Another important aspect was the need for support and belonging to others, although this was not aways explicitly stated. Furthermore, the study showed that it would be valuable if employees were also given be the time and tools for reflection, for such things as mindfulness and stress management.