This book explores the nature and uniqueness of leadership in Iceland within a business and economic context. Starting with an analysis of Iceland¿s geographical location, historical development and societal culture, the authors critically examine the major elements of the Icelandic business environment from an individual to a global level, and from economic prosperity to financial collapse. They particularly focus on leadership and human resource management within this unique societal culture and discuss the specific issues that are unique to Iceland, i.e. entrepreneurship, gender egalitarianism, equality, low power-distance, reflecting on, and orienting within contemporary leadership theories. The book covers a variety of analytical methods and cases, providing a unique introduction to leadership in Iceland, and opening avenues for further research into this relatively new phenomenon.

Introduces the uniqueness of Icelandic business leadership

Part I. Leadership and Culture.- Introduction.- Societal Culture in Iceland: From the Past to the Present.- Leadership in Iceland: A Historical Context.- Organizational Culture in Iceland: Welcoming the Uncertainty.- Beyond the Daily Catch: Expected Leader Profile in Iceland.- Part II. Transforming Leadership: An Entrepreneurial Perspective.- Small, but Mighty: Icelandic Business Environment Before and After the Financial Crisis of 2008.- Born to Enterprise? Entrepreneurial Intent Among Icelanders.- What's Next? From Tourism Bubble to the Future of Business Leadership in Iceland.- Part III. Transforming Leadership: Gender Issues.- Gender and Leadership in Iceland: The Journey to the Top of the Global Gender Gap Index.- Before and After: Effect of Gender Quota on Icelandic Landscape of the Boards of Directors.- The Untold Story of Gender Quota Effects in Iceland.- Part IV. Leadership in Action: Specific Cases.- Moving Icelandic Companies Global Through Visionary Leadership: The Case of Alvogen.- A Comedian Who Changed the Leadership Script in Reykjavik: The Case of Jón Gnarr.- Navigating Leadership in the Fishing Industry: the Case of Iceland.- Sports Leadership and the Biggest Small Nation in the World.