Publications

Our Annual Report 2024

Read THe Full Report

New Report // Colombia
CONSTRUYENDO PUENTES

The study, 'Building Bridges: Best Practices and Recommendations to Promote Social Dialogue in Colombian Workplaces,' highlights the efforts of eight partner companies over the past five years to strengthen labor relations, productivity, and sustainability through dialogue
Read THe Full Report

The status of the private sector in Afghanistan

In 2014-2015, NIR conducted a comprehensive study together with SIPRI on the status of the private sector in Afghanistan. The study was funded by Sida and describes the impediments to the private sector and its prospects of contributing to economic development and security in the country. It is one of the most comprehensive studies on the topic in recent years, involving research visits to five provinces. The public report was released in October 2015 and presented in Kabul, Stockholm, Brussels and Washington D.C.
Download this report (pdf)

The status of the private sector in Afghanistan

In 2014-2015, NIR conducted a comprehensive study together with SIPRI on the status of the private sector in Afghanistan. The study was funded by Sida and describes the impediments to the private sector and its prospects of contributing to economic development and security in the country. It is one of the most comprehensive studies on the topic in recent years, involving research visits to five provinces. The public report was released in October 2015 and presented in Kabul, Stockholm, Brussels and Washington D.C.
Download this report (pdf)

Security and economy on the belt and road: Three country case studies

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is one of the largest and most ambitious economic and foreign policy undertakings of this decade. NIR’s engagement focuses on BRI’s role in global and regional economic trends and the opportunities and risks for multinational companies. The report was released at a final roundtable event on 14 December 2017.
Download this report (pdf)

Private Sector Actors and Peacebuilding: A Framework for Analysis

The report represents the findings of a research project conducted at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs (Utrikespolitiska Institutet – UI) and commissioned by the International Council of Swedish Industry during the period August 2010–September 2011.
Download this report (pdf)

Management in Complex Environments (MiCE)

A valuable resource for companies operating in complex environments. The project has been funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The book can be downloaded in PDF for free at the top of this page or ordered from Amazon.com or Adlibris.com. Contact us for more information about the project.
Download this report (pdf)
Close

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This executive summary presents the findings from the study “Workplace Cooperation: Finding Practical Solutions in the Colombian Context,” conducted by the Fundación Ideas para la Paz (FIP). The study evaluates the added value of the Swedish Workplace Programme (SWP) dialogue and cooperation model within the Colombian labor market.

Throughout 2022, FIP dedicated efforts to thoroughly understand the SWP model, including its concept, foundations, implementation process, and contributions to the labor market. In 2023, FIP documented the experiences of three companies—SKF Latin Trade, Securitas, and Epiroc—that implemented the SWP model in practice. The study also included face-to-face workshops to gather feedback from various stakeholders including civil society, businesses, government, academia, and international cooperation. The findings suggest that the SWP model has the potential to strengthen labor relations, contribute to decent work, and resolve workplace conflicts in Colombia.

The case studies highlight the importance of collaboration between employers and workers to promote decent work and sustainable development in Colombia. They demonstrate that social dialogue facilitates worker participation in labor decision-making, enhances their representativeness, and promotes cooperation between employers and employees, thus improving labor relations and contributing to the well-being of both employees and companies.

The SWP model is particularly noted for improving workplace relationships and commitment to jointly finding solutions to challenges faced by workers and the company. It empowers workers, enhances leadership, and helps integrate business policies into daily practices, reducing the initial disconnect between management objectives and the day-to-day realities of workers. The study also highlights the model’s capacity to manage conflicts constructively, transforming the perception of conflict as an opportunity for improvement. Structured dialogues deepen understanding of the underlying causes of conflicts, fostering empathy and facilitating effective resolution. This promotes a culture of collaboration and a democratic approach to decision-making, building trust.

Additionally, the model is recognized for enabling workers to make decisions, identify challenges, and propose solutions that impact their well-being, and bridging gender gaps in the workplace. Its inclusive approach adapts to the unique needs and characteristics of each company, promoting a stronger and more diverse organizational culture. It also drives good work performance and productivity by involving workers in problem identification and resolution, as well as in implementing improvements and efficiently identifying ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) risks for companies.

The document identifies the SWP model’s added value in empowering direct interaction among labor stakeholders in Colombia, overcoming historical or cultural reservations, and contributing to the development of stronger labor relations and improved workplace environments in the country.

Challenges and opportunities of the model are also discussed. The study points out the importance of addressing value chain risks, particularly in a global context where corporate clients demand decent work processes and due diligence. It emphasizes the need to integrate SMEs into this process and use anchor companies as drivers of social dialogue throughout the value chain. The role of the state in social dialogue and the importance of highlighting the benefits of the model for adoption across various business sectors are discussed.

The opportunities of the model include raising awareness of human rights in the workplace in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGP), to strengthen due diligence, manage risks, promote long-term sustainability, and improve organizational culture. The document also underscores the importance of involving workers in change processes, leveraging their insights for continuous improvement of processes, and fostering innovation opportunities. Lastly, it suggests replicating the model in value chains to address work environment risks and gender biases, involving suppliers and contractors, and integrating the model into corporate policies to strengthen existing programs and transform organizational culture towards resource efficiency and effective participation of employers and workers.