Anställdas upplevelser av regelstyrning i relation till handlingsutrymme: En kvalitativ studie i en standardiserad produktionsmiljö

Abstract

This study aims to develop a deeper understanding of how employees in a standardized production environment experience and interpret rule-based management in relation to their perceived discretion at work. Previous research has often described standardized routines as limiting employees’ opportunities to influence how work is performed. At the same time, studies suggest that rules and routines can provide structure, clarity and support in daily work. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach based on semi structured interviews with seven operational employees in a Swedish production organization. The empirical material was analyzed through the themes of employees’ experiences of rule-based management, communication and participation. The findings show that standardized routines contribute to structure, predictability and guidance in daily work. However, the results also indicate that production in practice depends on employees’ experience, judgment and informal problem solving when standardized routines are insufficient. Furthermore, communication and participation influence how employees understand and utilize the discretion available within the organization’s formal rules and routines. The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between rule-based management and employee discretion. The findings suggest that standardized systems are not solely characterized by control and formal routines but are also dependent on employees flexibility, situational adaptation and informal discretion in everyday work.