Theme
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Hard to export Nordic trust
The Nordic model is usually described as a social system with strong unions and employers’ organisations, an active state and a generous welfare system. But one cultural trait makes the model hard to export. People in the Nordic region tend to invest a whole lot of trust in each other.
4 minutes
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Dictates from politicians trigger crisis of trust
More and more important decisions are being made by politicians away from the parties to the labour market. Now experts fear a crisis of trust which will undermine the basis of the Danish model, which is based on negotiated agreements between state, employers and employees.
4 minutes -
Swedish Metall on trusting the adversary
“What you absolutely must not do during wage negotiations is to lie. You don’t have to put all your cards on the table, but if you lie you loose all trust.”
3 minutes
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Sweden’s Södertälje: a public-private solution to immigrant challenges
Södertälje in Sweden has more than 40 percent immigrants of foreign heritage. For some years the municipality received more refugees from war-ravaged Iraq than the USA and Canada combined, so it’s had its share of challenges when it comes to jobs, accommodation and traditional solutions. The result: extensive co-operation between municipality and businesses, with input…
8 minutes
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When Iceland’s trust vanished, comedian Jón Gnarr became mayor
Reykjavik citizens demonstrated their level of distrust in traditional politics and politicians by voting in comedian Jón Gnarr as their new mayor in last spring’s local elections. Mr Gnarr’s party, The Best Party, entered a coalition with the social democratic party Alliansen (Samfylkingin).
3 minutes
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Swedish leadership traditions through Chinese eyes
Swedish leadership traditions are based on a great deal of trust in employees. Management presume people can work independently without the need for close supervision. But how do Swedish companies function abroad? How do you reconcile the Swedish Dala horse with the Chinese dragon?
3 minutes
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Trust in short supply in Finland
The welfare state is based on a system of trust where citizens take a lot of things more or less for granted. But there are fundamental changes going on. Researchers in Finland, for instance, say the country is rejecting the idea of integrating immigrants.
3 minutes
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Italy’s young hope to work before they’re old
The path from higher education to a steady job is particularly painful in Italy. Many quit their studies or end up in long-term unemployment at the end of their studies. Teacher Francesca Seguela is happy to have a few hours of summer work after spending months unemployed.
8 minutes
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OECD: Urgent measures needed to fight youth unemployment
Youth unemployment is rising dramatically and the trend is set to continue in 2011 according to the OECD. At the G20 meeting of labour ministers Stefano Scarpetta encouraged governments to act immediately. The first thing to do, he said, is to make sure youths have something to live off while they’re unemployed.
3 minutes
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The hidden costs of youth unemployment
Youth unemployment creates scars which follow people for the rest of their lives. One of the hidden costs of being unemployed when you’re young is that decades later you take home less money than those who weren’t unemployed when they were young. There is also the higher risk of becoming unemployed again, and many unemployed…
9 minutes