Sweden: tearing down Utopia

Article Abstract:

The Swedish economy can no longer support a 'cradle-to-grave' welfare state. The country's GDP declined in 1991 while the unemployment rate rose to 5% in mid-1992. The competitiveness of Swedish companies is being eroded by high labor costs and intensifying competition in the world market. To compound Sweden's economic difficulties, the Sep 1992 European currency market crisis resulted in the flight of capital from the country. To improve the economy, the government of prime minister Carl Bildt has introduced a crisis package that proposed additional public spending cuts. Included in Bildt's measures are reductions in old age pensions, child benefit, housing subsidies and foreign aid. The Swedish government also plans to increase taxes imposed on gasoline, tobacco and food, and to decrease statutory holidays and companies' social security contributions.

Economic aspects, Sweden, Economic policy, Welfare state

---

How to Keep Creative Juices Flowing

Article Abstract:

With businesses suffering from decreasing profits, increasing costs, and stagnating productivity, managers need lessons in creative thinking. Corporate managers are afraid to be creative. Creativity is also stymied by distractions, interruptions, and adherence to the status quo. Companies must encourage creativity by removing these blocks and being more supportive of the creative manager. Some techniques which have been used by managers to increase their creative powers are examined.

Planning, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Creative ability, Creativity, Supervisors

---

The goldmine of expertise available down the corridor

Article Abstract:

Some companies are coping with technological and competitive challenges using a new strategy: borrowing managers in a distant division or office and utilizing the manager's skills and expertise to solve problems. There may be objections to letting talented staff members go to temporary assignments, but if a company develops a system of reciprocity, they may have a way of solving problems, giving executives new career opportunities, and maintaining profits.

Analysis, Human resource management, Employee motivation

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: How to wear the new fall sweaters. How to wear the new spring colors. How to wear the new spring hemlines
• Abstracts: Bridge-building: auditing in Britain. Here, of all places: Nordic eugenics. A not-so-popular Nordic bridge
• Abstracts: Cutting the cookie. How rich is London?
• Abstracts: Criteria for Selecting Trade Representation Offices Abroad. How Ireland's Trade Representation System Operates
• Abstracts: Botanicals - Increasing Potential for Pharmaceutical Applications. Providing drugs to the Third World: an industry view

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.