ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to analyse 'new management' as a concept, and break it down into certain number of elements as regularly found in the discourse of both popular books on management and more research-oriented texts on new forms of management, work practices and flexible organization. It examines different elements in Swedish firms, and analyses the relationship between new forms of management and outcomes in terms of competitiveness and quality of work or worthwhile jobs. These perspectives and data present essential preconditions for trade unions and democratic participation in 'the new working life'. Management and work organization are being transformed. Flat and flexible organizations, decentralization and richer job content in companies managed by means of corporate culture and goals are replacing pyramid-shaped companies with their Taylorist division of labour and detailed control systems. The background to these developments is competitive, world product market that requires adaptation to the various demands from customers, and labour market with employees demanding quality of work.
