“In an uncertain world, organisations need to be agile”

“Few organisations make use of the enormous potential that exists among their employees,” says Anders Fundin, newly appointed professor at University West.

How can organisations prepare for change?

“To a large extent, it comes down to the type of leadership that is chosen and how organisations are structured and work is organised. When employees are allowed to take part in driving development efforts and influencing decisions, the pace of development and improvement can increase. There is enormous potential in this type of approach, but it is not fully utilised because many organisations still operate according to outdated models.”

“In fact, many organisations are structured in much the same way as they were after World War II. That worked well at the time, when the Swedish industry was being built up and the pace of change was slower. Today, however, organisations need to be structured in new ways to strengthen their ability to adapt quickly in different types of crises. That is necessary to remain competitive in the long run.”

What does an organisation gain from restructuring?

“Creating a good balance between execution and improvement work makes organisations more flexible and better able to meet customer needs. It also becomes easier to adapt quickly in times of crisis if employees are used to learning new things and finding new solutions. This helps build strong organisations that are economically and socially sustainable over time.”

What challenges do organisations with traditional leadership face?

“They are not agile or flexible enough. Many are good at setting goals and developing new technology but often fail to renew the ways of working. Creating organisational learning takes time, and organisations need to make room for it.”

“It can also be difficult to dare to test new ideas and take the risk of failure. You simply have to trust the process, trust the power of employees, and see the value in learning from mistakes.”

What sparked your interest in this research field?

“I have a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and have worked for several years on development projects in industry. My reflections on how development work could be carried out in better ways led me to start researching leadership, organisation and quality improvement. I want to help companies and public organisations build strong and sustainable organisations through systematic organisational development.”

“My main motivation is seeing individuals and management teams grow when they engage more deeply in change processes. When organisational learning works in practice, it creates a fantastic dynamic. I have seen this happen many times, for example in healthcare and industry. Many people truly appreciate working with change – being able to make a real difference.”

Why did you choose to work at University West?

“What makes University West exciting is that research and education are carried out in close collaboration with industry and public-sector organisations. The university’s investment in Industrial Engineering and Management was also an important factor. I look forward to contributing to the development of this field of knowledge.”

What are you working on right now?

“Together with colleagues, I am currently working on an application for an industrial research school aimed at companies engaged in some form of change process. The focus is on developing new ways of leading and managing change and improvement. I hope it becomes a reality, as there is a clear need to develop new knowledge in this area.”

“We are also developing several new courses in Industrial Engineering and Management, including courses in management and organisation. These courses will also be integrated into our engineering programmes going forward. This is an important competence to bring into working life.”

Contact: Anders Fundin, Professor of Industrial Engineering and Management, University West.