Understanding the Nordic Gender Diversity Paradox

Abstract Norway and Iceland consistently top global gender equality rankings and pioneer the introduction of various measures for increased gender diversity. Still, actual gender diversity in top- level positions is lacking. This article seeks to better understand the contradiction between gender equality as a value and the actual lack of gender diversity and presents a conceptual model built of existing literature, which draws on potential differences between values held at the societal level and the individual level, and subsequent consequences for attitudes to diversity and diversity- impacting behaviors. Conceptual propositions are set forth that can be developed into a testable hypothesis.