This document provides an overview of business culture in Denmark based on Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions. It discusses that Denmark has a very low power distance where managers empower employees and equality is valued. Denmark is also highly individualistic where people take care of themselves and their immediate families. It is considered a feminine culture where conflicts are resolved through compromise and consensus building. While Denmark has a low preference for uncertainty avoidance, plans can change easily and curiosity is encouraged. When doing business with Danes, it is important to be punctual for meetings, get straight to the facts, and make decisions through group consultation and consensus. Egalitarianism and flexibility are highly valued in Danish business culture.

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2. Demark (…) corresponds to the
faculty of determining the
validity of evidence.
The Danes are, indeed, noted
for their good sense, sound
judgment, and clear, vigorous
thought; and they show
remarkable similarity to the
English in their character, spirit,
and ways of thinking and
acting.
Psychology of the Nations
A.L.Kip
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3. Lewis Model

4. DENMARK
UK
NETHERLANDS
18
Denmark scores very low in Power
Distance
• Very egalitarian mindset
PDI
• The Danes believe in
74
IDV
• independency,
• equal rights,
• accessible superiors
• employee autonomy
16
• management that facilitates and
empowers
MAS
23
UAI
• Workplaces have a very informal
atmosphere
• Direct and involving communication
and on a first name basis
Data: geert-hofstede.com

5. DENMARK
UK
NETHERLANDS
18
PDI
74
Denmark is an individualistic society
• High preference for a loosely-knit
social framework in which individuals
are expected to take care their
immediate families only
• Danes. Small talk is kept at a
minimum and you do not need to
create relationships first.
IDV
16
• Danes are also known for using a
very direct form of communication.
MAS
23
UAI
.
Data: geert-hofstede.com

6. DENMARK
UK
NETHERLANDS
• It is important to keep the life/work
balance and you make sure that all
are included
18
PDI
74
IDV
• An effective manager is supportive to
his/her people, and decision making
is achieved through involvement
• Managers strive for consensus and
people value equality, solidarity and
quality in their working lives
16
MAS
23
UAI
Denmark is a feminine society
• Conflicts are resolved by compromise
and negotiation and Danes are known
for their long discussions until
consensus has been reached
.
Data: geert-hofstede.com

7. DENMARK
UK
NETHERLANDS
With a score of 23 Denmark scores low
on this dimension
18
PDI
• Danes do not need a lot of structure
and predictability in their work life.
74
IDV
• Plans can change overnight, new
things pop up and the Danes are fine
with it.
• Curiosity is natural and is encouraged
from a very young age.
16
MAS
• What is different is attractive!
23
UAI
.
Data: geert-hofstede.com

8. • Appointments are necessary.
• Send an agenda before the meeting and work from it without deviation.
• You should arrive at meetings on time. The Danes you are meeting will be
punctual.
• Shake hands with everyone upon arriving and leaving. Handshakes should be
very firm and rather short. Maintain eye contact while being introduced.
Always shake hands with women first.
• Decisions are made after consulting
with everyone involved.
• Presentations should be well-organized
and factual: use facts, figures and charts
to back up statements and conclusions.
• Danes prefer to get down to business
quickly: communication is direct.
Text: Kwintessential
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9. • The Danes like to treat all people with
equal respect and deference.
• Denmark is a controlled-time culture, and
adherence to schedules is important and
expected
• The role of the leader is to harness the
talent of the group assembled, and
develop any resulting synergies.
• The leader will be deferred to as the final
authority in any decisions that are
made, but they do not dominate the
discussion or generation of ideas.
• Cross cultural management needs to
understand the Danes fundamental belief
in an egalitarian society.
Text: Kwintessential
Photo:http://minifigures.lego.com

10. • Humor is an important factor - mild cynicism is acceptable.
• They are very interested in profit but often pretend it is only secondary.
• They insist on tolerance of views and flexibility.
• Stick to facts and analyse them intelligently.
• Make all proposals seem reasonable.
• Avoid
• Being overly serious; Danes think Swedes are so.
• Showing you think you are cleverer than they are.
• Laughing at them or at things Danish.
• Patronizing them in any way.
• Showing too much interest in materialism
or bottom-line focus.
• Infringing on anybody 's rights.
When Cultures Collide: Leading Across
Cultures, by Richard D. Lewis
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