befattningen

Befattningen refers to the function or role within an organization that a person occupies. It defines the scope of work, duties, and the authority tied to the position, and is distinct from the employment relationship itself. The term is commonly used in HR, public administration, and corporate governance to describe what a person is responsible for, irrespective of who the person is.

A befattning typically includes an arbetsbeskrivning (job description) that lists primary tasks, responsibilities, required competencies, reporting lines, and decision-making authority. It may specify whether the role has managerial duties, financial authorization, or personnel responsibility, as well as its place in a pay scale or career ladder.

The befattning can be occupied by different individuals over time; it is a description of the function rather than a particular person. A person may hold one befattning or several, and organizations may reassign or restructure befattningar without altering the underlying employment contract. In some contexts, especially in public sector or unionized environments, befattningar are formally classified to support recruitment, evaluation, salary setting, and progression.

In practice, the term helps clarify expectations, facilitate staffing decisions, and ensure consistency in compensation and governance. Etymologically, befattningen derives from befatta, meaning to involve or concern, indicating the role’s responsibility within the organization.