Kay Xander MellishExpert on Danish business culture

Internationals managing Danes: How to Work in Denmark audiobook #workindenmark #workingindenmark

15 Aug 2024 · 1 min

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In chapter 21 of the audiobook How to Work in Denmark, the narrator explains that managing Danish employees cannot rely on fear because Denmark’s comprehensive social‑welfare safety net cushions any job loss, removing fear as a motivator. Danish workers are instead driven by the chance to apply their expertise to interesting, meaningful projects, and they expect to be consulted before major decisions are taken. The narrator also notes that Danes frequently ask questions and challenge ideas at work, a behavior rooted in the Grundtvig educational tradition that encourages students to question teachers—a habit that carries into adult professional life.

Chapters

The audiobook version of How to Work in Denmark is now available, and in chapter 21, we talk about managing Danes as an international. You cannot manage by fear in Denmark. The social welfare system takes care of that. Your team will have a soft pillow to land on should you choose to eject them. Instead, Danes are motivated by the opportunity to add their expertise to an interesting project. So if you have an interesting project, make sure to consult them before you make any major decisions. You may also find that Danes ask a lot of questions on the job and challenge your ideas. This is because they grew up in the Grundtvig system, where students are encouraged to challenge their teachers. They bring that with them to adult life, where they begin to challenge you, their manager.