Jan Löwstedt’s advice to students at Stockholm University School of Business is to be serious about their studies, but keep a relaxed approach. Jan is a professor in Management, Organisation and Strategy and is responsible for these subjects within the department. He appreciates that his work allows him to develop a deeper understanding of his subjects by analysing and discussing changes with students and colleagues.
Tell us a little about your background and your research.
- I defended my thesis at the Stockholm School of Economics in the 1980s with a dissertation on how people’s conceptions affect organisational changes during times of technical advancement. After that, I switched my focus towards questions regarding development of organisations and structural changes. In the past few years, my research has turned towards questions of integration in relation to corporate takeovers and fusions between companies, changes in schools as well as the project “Unbound Management” which focuses on how corporations integrate new knowledge. I have also led and been involved in several international research collaborations.
What is it like working with teaching and research at the Stockholm University School of Business?
- It is very interesting and exciting to be able to work with such great resources that the students are comprised of, great teachers and prominent researchers within the different fields. All together, they create an amazing platform for further developing research within my field. Having previously worked at smaller universities, I now appreciate working at a large university.
What does the term “business administration” mean to you?
- Today, business administration actually constitutes a broad field of knowledge that is of great importance. Corporations and other organisations affect the development of society in many different ways: economically, technologically, socially and on a smaller scale - our everyday lives, as there is a greater need to organize ourselves. No other subject field can provide this collective overview of the ongoing changes and how and why individuals’ organized activities contribute to or counteract these changes.
What do you appreciate most about your work?
- The most fun part is that we as a team, be it students or colleagues, are able to analyze and discuss changes and view teaching and research as a means of learning and further developing deeper knowledge within my field.
What is it like being responsible for the field Management/ Organization?
- It couldn’t be better!
Do you have any suggestions to the students?
- Be serious about your studies but at the same time, don’t be too hard on yourself!
How does one get into contact with you?
You will find me in building 15, on the third floor. You may also contact me at 08-167438 or e-mail me at
jlo@fek.su.se