uppdrag

Uppdrag is a Swedish noun meaning assignment, commission, or mission. It refers to a formal task given by a person or organization to another person or organization, typically specifying objectives, scope, and a time frame. The term is widely used in both public and private sectors to denote work that is entrusted and undertaken on behalf of a principal.

Etymology and usage notes. The word derives from uppdrag, formed with the prefix upp- and the noun drag (pull or task), reflecting something that has been “brought up” for execution. In colloquial Swedish, uppdrag can describe anything from a routine work assignment to a public mandate issued to a government body or contractor. Phrases such as “uppdrag att” or “på uppdrag av” are common to indicate that the task is performed on behalf of someone else.

Contexts and applications. In public administration, uppdrag are issued to agencies or contractors to conduct investigations, evaluations, or procure goods and services, often defined by a uppdragsbeskrivning (task description) that sets objectives, deliverables, budget, and deadlines. In the private sector, managers assign uppdrag to teams or individuals to carry out projects or services. The term also appears in journalism, where a journalist may have an uppdrag to cover a specified event or issue.

Roles and relationships. The assigner or commissioner is called the uppdragsgivare, while the person or organization carrying out the task is the uppdragstagare. Compliance, scope, and performance criteria are typically formalized in a contract or task brief, with mechanisms for monitoring and termination if requirements are not met.

See also: uppdragsgivare, uppdragstagare, uppdragsbeskrivning.

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