LEADER CHARACTERISTICS AND THE FINNISH SO CIETY

There is a strong opinion in the literature that the national culture has an impact on the management behaviour and that dissimilatities bet ween countries will presist. In a recent investigation among 440 middl e level managers in three industries, food production, electronics and finacial sector, the Finnish society is characterized by low achievem ent and future orientation. Much higher achievement level and longer p lanning periods are desirable. According to among others these values, the characteristics essential for the outstanding Finnish leader are honesty, clarity, team orientation, charisma and visionarity. The infe rior leader is characterized by punishment, isolation, narcissism and is an intensive controller of minor details.