Nordic no more? How recent trends may prevent the Nordic organization model to adapt and develop

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore how current trends in organization – government regulation, authoritarian governance and digitalization acts specifically to stop relevant change of a Nordic model. These trends unfold in organizational contexts by revoking mandates, stopping information sharing and eroding trust. When these elements of what is often seen as core characteristics of different Nordic models are hindered, this also means that change is stoked, such as it is understood by organizational learning theory. Hopefully, this more conceptual analysis can inspire fieldwork.Design/methodology/approachThis viewpoint article investigates how recent trends may act in the ability of a Nordic model to change and remain relevant. Core elements of the abstract concept of a Nordic model are defined. These elements are related to organizational learning. In as far as the Nordic model can be seen as capable of organizational learning, it may be able to develop and change in response to external influence. Examples of current trends in society are presented. It is found that these new current trends act on the ability of the Nordic model to change. This poses an existential threat to the longevity of that model. Suggestions for further work is included.FindingsThe paper finds that core elements of the Nordic model are influenced in such a way that the ability of the model to work as learning organizations (at least in the sense of Senge’s theory) is inhibited or even prohibited. The way this unfolds in principle may inform choices for fieldwork.Research limitations/implicationsA major limitation of this topic is that it discusses emerging changes that have only recently become apparent in the Nordic countries. The number of cases is yet limited and recent. This is why more conceptional approaches might be useful.Practical implicationsThe digital realm is changing society, and this change has been catapulted by the pandemic. This may impact on how Nordic organizations are able to deliver on the purposes of co-decision legislation, how organizational culture based on “Nordic” values such as trust (as defined by the WVS), information sharing and mandate can develop, how organizations that abstain distributed information and mandates are able to adapt.Social implicationsRecent (2020) estimates indicate that between one in three and one in two jobs will be directly impacted in the Nordic countries. This is likely to have implications, but the nature of these is still under debate. This paper points to the possibility that core values and ways to deliver productivity may be challenged.Originality/valueThe originality lies in linking some core elements of different versions of a very abstract construct (“a Nordic” model) to one specific theory of organizational learning (in this example, Senge). This allows for a discussion about how societal change may be relevant specifically for the ability of Nordic model(s) to change. The discussion is current as the chosen trends are all recent phenomena in Nordic society.