Paper short abstract:

The paper focuses on strategies and practices of Nordic companies as they move from the Nordic to the Gulf region to establish business in energy and sustainability sector. How does the Nordic leadership work in company-state-society interaction when moving abroad from the common Nordic Model?

Paper long abstract:

Leadership style can be viewed as a manifestation of central values being developed in relation to the surrounding society. Research points out that the core of the Nordic leadership is related to such ethical considerations as how democracy, responsibility, human dignity, obligations, rights and the individual's role in relation to the community and state are viewed (Andreassen, Lundquist 2019). The values that have guided leadership in the Nordic region relate specifically to openness, integrity and trust, and to the Nordic Model more broadly - the economic and social policies common to the Nordic countries.

Compromises to balance different interests in society, in corporate governance models and in labor market stand out as a significant feature in the Nordic region since early 20th century. Moreover, strong emphasis on welfare, CSR and environmental sustainability are characteristic for the Model that aims to combine economic growth with democratic stability.

The paper focuses on strategies and practices of Nordic companies as they move from the Nordic to the Gulf region to establish and expand their business in energy and sustainability sector. How does the Nordic leadership work in company-state-society interaction when moving abroad from the Model common to the Nordic countries?

The paper is based on an ongoing applied post-doctoral research on internationalization of Nordic energy and smart technology companies (both state-owned and privately owned) to the Gulf region. Understanding their challenges in establishing long-term business in energy and sustainability sector in the Gulf has been the primary goal of author's fieldwork during 2018.