Sweden at the Edge

This book is based on a five-year study of Swedish companies (including those based in the U.S.), public agencies, and national leaders. Michael Maccoby's own contributions provide an in-depth look at the sociotechnical breakthroughs in Sweden, including the first attempt to change the traditional assembly line so that workers would not be treated as a part of the machine. He and his collaborators then trace the development as it was further enhanced at the Uddevalla operation, where self-managed worker teams put together entire cars and are responsible for quality and other management functions. They also examine the Volvo Truck corporation, its successful re-organization of White Motors in the competitive U.S. market, and the development of the Volvo General Motors Heavy Truck Corporation.

Sweden at the Edge is an inspiring account of the innovative approach taken by a unified country's ambition to provide employment and to improve working conditions for all its citizens. The authors devote equal time to the problems of executives and middle management, and point to the success of the SAS operation, which, under the direction of Jan Carlzon has become the world model for service management.

This book will find a welcome audience in scholars and students of multinational corporations and management.

Michael Maccoby is an American psychoanalyst and anthropologist globally recognized as an expert on leadership for his research, writing and projects to improve organizations and work. In 1981, he was invited by the Swedish Council on Management and Worklife Issues to be a consultant to a national study on the types of leaders needed for Sweden’s future. This book is the result.