Mid Sweden University

Purpose: To present the results of a research project aimed at developing and improving team-based ways of working and methods of creating functional teams and a sustainable quality culture (SQC).

Methodology: A department within a Swedish municipality was studied with an interactive research design. Both the management team (MT) and the workers participated in the study and engaged in parallel with activities to improve teamwork and strengthen their SQC. Baseline and follow-up measurements were obtained with a questionnaire, and the results were statistically analysed.

Findings: Comparison between the baseline and follow-up measurements revealed that the members of the MT generally agreed to a greater extent with the statements regarding SQC in both measurements, indicating that they believed the culture to be stronger than it may have been. However, the MT members’ perceptions of statements regarding teamwork decreased in the follow-up measurement. One reason for this decrease could have been the reorganization of the MT during the project. Furthermore, the workers agreed to a greater extent with the statements regarding teamwork in the follow-up measurement than in the baseline measurement, but only a few factors measuring SQC increased in the follow-up measurement, namely, the pride and internal systems view. Interestingly, assessments of leadership commitment decreased in the follow-up measurement, indicating a decline in leadership quality.

Research limitations/implications: This research was limited to one department in one municipality. Its significance could be strengthened by applying the same interactive approach to other parts of the municipality or other municipalities or organizations.

Originality/Value: Working with an MT and workers of an organization in parallel and in an interactive way benefited both the studied organization, by creating a learning environment, and the research society, by bringing theoretical development into SQC and teamwork.