Denmark

By:Lucerito Gomez

Denmark is one of the oldest kingdoms in the world established in the 10th century. Has a population of 5.5 millionThe head of state is Queen Margrethe IIDenmark has a long history of democratic ruleThe nuclear family is the centre of the social structure.

Children are raised to be independent from an early age

The Royal Family

– Danish companies also offer good working conditions, modern conveniences and technical equipment of high standards.

– One of the world’s top 3 flexible labour markets

– One of the most advanced telecommunication infrastructures in Europe with world leading use of PC, Internet and Broadband

– high-quality motorway network– Denmark is one of the countries

with the highest proportion of women in the labor market

Meetings

Appointments are necessary. Confirm appointments in writing Initial correspondence should be made to the company and

not an individual. Do not try to schedule meetings from mid June through

mid August as many Danes are on vacation. You should arrive at meetings on time. The Danes you are

meeting will be punctual. Telephone immediately if you will be detained more than 5

minutes.Business cards are exchanged

GreetingsGreetings are casual, with a firm handshake,

direct eye contact, and a smile. Shake hands and say good-bye individually

when arriving or departing.Shake hands with women first. Danes tend to introduce themselves with

their first names.

Dress You are expected to appear professional and well

dressed, and you should keep everything low-keyedNeatness and cleanliness are absolutely essential. Men

suits with starched white shirts, ties, and well-kept shoes. Women

stylish yet modestly cut suits and pumps. Accessories should be kept to a minimum.

High-ranking Danish executives often host black-tie dinners. Male executives should seriously consider bringing a tuxedo along, while women will need an evening gown.

Cards

Your business card should have the physical address of your company and not a post

office box. Danes use their professional title and their

surname. If someone does not have a professional title,

use Herr (Mister), Fru (Misses) or Froken (Miss). wait to be invited before using someone's first

name.

IntroductionsSaying hello to others is usually done in a

casual and polite way, by shaking hands and establishing eye contact.

Introduce yourself by name. Being loud or doing anything to stand out is a

bit awkwardWoman are introduced first.

Business Negotiation

Send an agenda before the meeting and work from it without deviation.

Decisions are made after consulting with everyone involved.

Presentations should be well-organized and factual. Maintain eye contact while speaking. There will be a minimal amount of small talk.

Danes prefer to get down to business quickly. Communication is direct.

Table EtiquettesTable manners

hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.

Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan. Always keep your hands visible when eating.

Expect to be offered second helpings. Finish everything on your plate. Danes do not like wasting

food. The man seated to the left of the hostess generally offers

a toast of thanks during the dessert course. Do not begin eating until the host toasts with 'Skol'.

Giving

If invited to a Danish home for dinner, bring flowers, good quality chocolates or good quality wine.

A bouquet of mixed wildflowers makes an excellent gift. Flowers should be wrapped.

If you are invited to dinner or a party, it is polite to send flowers in advance of the event. Red wrapping paper is always a good

choice. Gifts are opened when received.

Why Denmark

– Companies can operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

– High Productivity– Innovative production processes– Competitive cost structure– Highest worker motivation in the world

(IMD 2007)– Low frequency of strikes– Easy international and regional

accessibility and modern infrastructure– Best Place in the world to conduct

business seen from a five year investment perspective (EIU, 2006 &2007)

Resources

• http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/18/best-countries-for-business-bizcountries09-business-washington-best-countries.html

• http://www.denmark.dk/en/menu/About-Denmark/Government-Politics/Political-System/Political-System-Overview/Danish-Politics-2005-2006/

• http://www.investindk.dk/visArtikel.asp?artikelID=9015

• http://www.investindk.dk/visArtikel.asp?artikelID=8124

• http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/denmark-country-profile.html

• http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Denmark:_Business_Dress

• http://studyhorsens.com/index.php?page=about-the-danes

• http://www.copenhagenet.dk/CPH-Denmark.htm