Table of contents

of the DOs and DON'Ts in Danish workplace culture

Foreword ................................. 13
Why this guide? ........................ 14
Target audience ........................ 17
How to read this guide? ........... 19
Thanks ...................................... 22

1. Your attitude .......................... 25

2. Important Danish characteristics .. 31
2.1 Democracy .................................. 31
2.2 Equality ........................................ 32
2.3 Freedom of speech ..................... 35
2.4 Hygge .......................................... 36
2.5 A homogeneous society ............. 38
Conclusion ........................................ 39

3. The economic landscape ................................ 41
3.1 Key facts about Denmark and its economy .. 41
3.2 The landscape for cross-border trade ......... 43
3.3 The employee-landscape .............................. 45
3.4 The landscape for industry and business .... 47
3.5 Adapting to a smaller marketplace ................ 56
3.6 Danes and technology .................................. 58
Conclusion .......................................................... 60

4. Cultural dimensions of Denmark ...................... 61
4.1 Power Distance ............................................ 63
4.2 Individualism versus Collectivism .................. 65
4.3 Masculinity versus Femininity ....................... 68
4.4 Uncertainty avoidance .................................. 70
4.5 Long-Term Orientation ................................... 71
Conclusion ........................................................... 73

5. Understanding Danish attitudes ...................... 75
5.1 The Danish sense of humour ........................ 75
5.2 How do Danes display emotion? ................... 78
5.3 Danes are direct ............................................ 80
5.4 Danes value honesty ..................................... 81
5.5 The importance of trust ................................. 82
5.6 Danes and Danishness ................................. 83
5.7 Getting to know Danes .................................. 86
5.8 How to build relationships with Danes? ........ 88
Conclusion ........................................................... 90

Interviewees – part one 91

6. The Language .................................................... 111
6.1 Why learn Danish? ........................................... 111
6.2 Danish and the workplace ............................... 113

7. General etiquette and manners ........................... 117
7.1 General etiquette ............................................... 117
7.2 Addressing Danes ............................................. 120
7.3 Customary use of language ............................... 123
7.4 Body language, gestures and personal space .. 126
Conclusion ................................................................ 127

8. Equality ................................................................. 129
8.1 “Jantelov” ............................................................ 129
8. 2 Equality in the Danish workplace ....................... 131
Conclusion ................................................................ 138

9. A culture of discussion .................................................... 139
9.1. Nurturing a culture of discussion and healthy debate ..  139
9.2 Meetings .......................................................................... 141
9.3. Meeting etiquette ............................................................ 142
9.4 Provide an explanation .................................................... 145
9.5 Use facts to your advantage .......................................... 146
9.6 Express yourself! ............................................................ 147
9.7 Ask questions .................................................................. 149
9.8 Negotiations ..................................................................... 150
Conclusion ............................................................................. 152

10. Working independently ..................................................... 153
10.1 Take initiative and show leadership ............................... 153
10.2 Take responsibility .......................................................... 156
10.3 Focus on the outcome .................................................... 158
10.4 Learning to adapt and planning ahead ............................ 159
Conclusion ............................................................................... 160

11. Socialising in the workplace - it‘s all about hygge ............... 161
11.1 Contributing to a good work environment .......................... 161
11.2 Social activities at work ..................................................... 162
11.3 First day at work ................................................................ 169
11.4 Being a hard worker versus hygge ................................... 169
11.5 Party and drinking culture ................................................... 170
Conclusion .................................................................................. 173

12. Balancing work and personal life ......................................... 175
12.1 Relaxed attitude towards work .......................................... 175
12.2 Prioritising family life ............................................................ 176
12.3 The average work day ........................................................ 177
12.4 Working overtime ................................................................. 179
12.5 Flexible hours ...................................................................... 180
12.6 Dealing with stress .............................................................. 181
12.7 Be „transparent“ ................................................................... 182
12.8 Friendships at work .............................................................. 182
Conclusion ..................................................................................... 184

Interviewees - part two ................................................................. 185

13. Leading and being led in Denmark ........................................... 201
13.1 Authority and respect ........................................................... 201
13.2 Inclusive leadership .............................................................. 203
13.3 The role of a manager ........................................................... 208
13.4 Teamwork .............................................................................. 211
13.5 Giving and receiving feedback .............................................. 212
13.6 Mentor .................................................................................... 217
Conclusion ..................................................................................... 218

14. Dealing with conflict ................................................................ 219
14.1 Rule-related confl icts ........................................................... 221
14.2 Confl icts on “soft” topics ...................................................... 227
Conclusion ..................................................................................... 238

15. Concluding thoughts ................................................................ 239

Bibliography ................................................................................... 243

Index ............................................................................................. 245

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