Sharpening the Lens: Exploring the Turnaround Process Based on Visibility of Underperformance in Swedish Schools : A multi- case study investigating if the turnaround process in Swedish schools depends on visible underperformance.

Abstract: There is currently a gap in performance among Swedish schools. Statistics show some schools demonstrating great results, while others are facing significant challenges. This study focuses on schools that have been underperforming and managed to turn this negative trend around. This is what is known as a turnaround, which occurs when an organization manages to improve negative results to positive through various measures. Turning an organization around requires extensive efforts, time and resources from its leadership and employees. Breaking down existing routines and practices to impose new ones may create discomfort and uncertainty among those that these changes are exerted upon. This especially when the organization in question does not view itself as in need of change. Calling for turnarounds to be enacted requires the organization to be aware of its shortcomings or even crises that they face. Awareness of underperformance is the main contention this thesis explores and its relation to a turnaround process. This study delves into schools that have demonstrated awareness of underperformance and acted upon it.