Nordic Leadership in Asia: Does it Work?

How can Nordic leaders enhance their effectiveness in Asia? And how are Asian leaders perceived by Nordic headquarters? Discover how to bridge the cultural divide between Nordic and Asian leadership styles.

Nordic leadership in Asia often emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and a relatively flat organisational structure. Leaders from Nordic countries tend to prioritize open communication, consensus-building, and creating a sense of shared ownership among team members. While these values can be highly effective, navigating the diverse cultural landscapes of Asia requires sensitivity and adaptability. Nordic leaders operating in Asia often benefit from developing a deep understanding of local business customs, communication styles, and hierarchical structures to bridge cultural gaps and effectively build strong, productive relationships. Balancing their inherent leadership style with the nuances of Asian business practices is key to success in this dynamic environment.

We invite you to engage in a meaningful discussion on how Nordic leaders can enhance their effectiveness in Asia by understanding the cultural differences between Nordic and Asian work styles and leadership perspectives. By recognising these distinctions, leaders can adapt their approaches for improved collaboration and success. Similarly, Asian leaders can benefit from a deeper understanding of their perception from HQs based in the Nordics.

Toby Karlsson​ and Seiyi Goh​, Senior Partners at Korn Ferry​, will share research insights and perspectives to kick off a session of engaging dialogue and discussion.

Agenda:

• 8:15-8:30 am: Registration with coffee/tea and light refreshments
• 8:30-9:30 am: Presentation by​​​​​ Toby Karlsson​ and Seiyi Goh​, Senior Partners at Korn Ferry​​​
• 9:30-10 am: Q&A