Suchergebnisse

The capacity of trade unions to renew themselves clearly depends on
a variety of political and organizational factors. British trade
unionism has long been seen as defensive, sectional and reactive. In
contrast, Swedish unions have a reputation for interest and involvement
in organizational innovation. This contrast is broadly confirmed in our
case studies, though political and economic changes pose severe problems
for traditional strategies in both countries. If British trade unions
are to develop strategically, they will need their own positive agenda
on the central workplace and societal issues. Looks at the obstacles and
potential for doing this in the sphere of work organization, utilizing
comparative research in the UK and Sweden.

This paper will compare tele-nursing in the UK and Sweden and explore how the formation of the same practice at different times and within different institutional and political contexts, shaped the work organisation outcomes for tele-nurses. It will examine whether a 'dominant recipe' is emerging on how to produce health care through the call centre format; or alternatively, whether institutional diversity between the two societies continues to produce national models of tele-nursing. The two cases are critical, because in England a central plan for access to health care through a call centre format has been centrally driven by the state within an environment where the call centre industry is an established and powerful sector. Sweden has a regional organisation for health care and the development of tele-nursing has been heterogeneous. However to some degree the case of NHS Direct has been a background model for Swedish planners. Therefore the paper will address the question of diffusion or continued institutional diversity, with a strong focus on the effects of different systems on the work organisation of tele-nurses.