Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • October 2008 (Revised February 2014)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

The Northwest Passage

By: Herman B. Leonard and Peter Brannen
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:18
ShareBar

Abstract

Following dozens of failed expeditions to "discover" the NW passage, a Norwegian adventurer employs a new approach that emphasizes rigorous preparation, a lighter, quicker style, and a willingness to adapt to the inhospitable Arctic environment and its people. The case summarizes the bleak history of the exploration of the Northwest Passage over several centuries, examining expeditions that employed a broad spectrum of strategies, leadership styles and objectives. The case then focuses on Roald Amundsen who attempted to complete the passage in the early 20th century using a number of novel techniques, an encyclopedic knowledge of Arctic exploration and an appreciation of and willingness to adapt to local Inuit customs.

Keywords

Independent Innovation and Invention; Planning; Problems and Challenges; Risk and Uncertainty; Decision Choices and Conditions; Leadership Style; Adaptation; Canada

Citation

Leonard, Herman B., and Peter Brannen. "The Northwest Passage." Harvard Business School Case 309-067, October 2008. (Revised February 2014.)
  • Educators
  • Purchase

About The Author

Dutch Leonard

General Management
→More Publications

Related Work

    • October 2008 (Revised February 2014)
    • Faculty Research

    The Northwest Passage

    By: Herman B. Leonard and Peter Brannen
Related Work
  • The Northwest Passage By: Herman B. Leonard and Peter Brannen
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College