Gångsystemet

Gångsystemet, often translated as the "walking system" or "gang system," refers to a method of organizing workers in certain industrial settings, particularly in Swedish mining and forestry operations historically. It was a cooperative or team-based approach where workers shared tasks and responsibilities in a structured manner. The primary objective was to improve efficiency and safety by ensuring that all necessary aspects of a job were covered by a coordinated group.

This system typically involved a set number of individuals, often a foreman or team leader, who would collectively manage a specific area of work or a particular project. Responsibilities could be divided based on skill or preference, but there was an inherent understanding of mutual reliance. The success of the gang system depended on strong communication and trust among its members. It aimed to eliminate downtime by having workers seamlessly transition between tasks, fostering a sense of shared ownership and accountability for the overall outcome. While its prevalence has diminished with advancements in technology and modern management practices, the principles of cooperation and coordinated effort inherent in the gångsystemet can still be observed in various forms of collaborative work.