Teamwork within the Nordic model

Purpose – The purpose of this editorial is to introduce the special issue from the IWOT conferences in 2012, focusing on teamwork within the Nordic model. Design/methodology/approach – The paper identifies the content of the Nordic model and discusses how it is relevant for high performing autonomous teams, especially connected to teams with a high level of autonomy. Findings – Shared leadership is positive for team performance when team autonomy is high. The paper identifies eight important variables for creating high performing cross‐functional teams, the role of trust between workers and supervisors in order to unlock standards, and emphasizes the role of industrial relations as an important support system for team work. Originality/value – This editorial provides an overview of the Nordic perspective of autonomous teams contained in the special issue which comprises four original articles that are examples of latest developments in this research area. Each of these articles contains a brief introduction on how they contribute to filling in gaps in the literature.