Modernism and the dominating firm--on the managerial mentality of the Swedish model

Abstract

Rationalism, modernism and managerial thought dominate action in Swedish social life. The study of management education provides a way of understanding the workings of the Swedish model. Swedish managerialism is reproducing old collectivist and corporativist values with German rather than Anglo-Saxon intellectual roots. The task of the manager is to realize capitalism without capitalists. The concept of the "firm" has taken on the meaning today that was previously given to "Nature" or "People". Families and the state are both simply seen as different types of firm, to be run by loyal managers. This Swedish version of the "firm" has therefore become a dominant institution, entrenched in a mentality beyond political facts and fashions.Management education mentality planning ideology modernism rationalization Sweden Swedish model