Understanding Self-Branding in the Digital Age: Insights for Swedes
2019 (English)Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
Problem: A changing economy bears many implications; precarity within employment, the restructuring of concepts, management of activities and the employment of tools reinforcing security. As a measure to procure and preserve employment in the modern market self- branding has been proposed. The value a brand has today is multifaceted and has proven to aid not only businesses and corporations but individuals as well. However, as self-branding is contingent on the precariousness of the changing economy, previous literature has focused on strategies and implications for the self-employed and failed to mention ramifications for the ‘traditionally employed.’ Furthermore, previous literature is lacking with regard to the Swedish employment market and the incorporation of potential cultural influences.
Purpose: The scope of this research is two-fold, of both an explanatory and exploratory nature. This research seeks to explain, understand and investigate the Swedish employment market with regard to self-branding and identify possible influences. As well as, uncover new insights and explore the significance of self-branding for Sweden's ‘traditionally employed.’
Method: This research adopted a qualitative approach, conducted 10 semi-structured interviews and implemented a thematic analysis to interpret the empirical findings and answer the research questions. The findings were later analysed in accordance with previous literature.
Results: The results identify to major concepts of significance with regards to the strategy of self-branding. Swedes must consider their purpose and authenticity as two major determinants of the value of their brand. Moreover, the results indicate offline branding activities, the Law of Jante and self-branding for the ‘traditionally employed’ of high relevance for the Swedish employment market.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2019. , p. 75
Keywords [en]
self-branding, digitalisation, social media, self-employed, changing economy
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-44081ISRN: JU-IHH-FÖA-1-20190918OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hj-44081DiVA, id: diva2:1320655
Subject / course
JIBS, Business Administration
Supervisors
Examiners
2019-06-272019-06-052025-10-13Bibliographically approved