Öppet men begränsat : En kvalitativ studie om motivation i relation till integritet, kontroll och makt i det öppna kontorslandskapet

Sammanfattning

Research question: How can employees’ motivation in open-plan offices be understood in relation to their experiences of control, privacy, and power in the daily work environment? Purpose: The aim of this study is to increase the understanding of how open-plan office environments influence employees’ motivation, sense of control, and experiences of integrity in the workplace. The study also aims to identify how employees perceive and manage the opportunities and challenges associated with open office landscapes. Method: A qualitative study with an abductive research approach was conducted to create a deeper understanding of employees’ experiences of working in an open-plan office environment. Empirical data was collected through semi structured interviews with employees within the same organization. The material was analyzed through a thematic analysis in relation to previous research and theoretical perspectives connected to motivation, control, and integrity. Conclusion: The study has shown that open-plan office environments can contribute to increased motivation through social interaction, accessibility, and a sense of community among colleagues. At the same time, the results demonstrate that constant social exposure, noise, and limited opportunities for privacy can negatively affect employees’ concentration, wellbeing, and sense of control over their work environment. The findings also indicate that employees experience these environments differently depending on individual needs and work tasks, highlighting the importance of more flexible and adaptable office solutions. Keywords: Open-plan offices, motivation, control, power, integrity, work environment, social interaction, employee wellbeing, equality.