Danes. Two Approaches to Communication
Danes can be divided into two categories, representing different communication approaches: international Danes and domestic Danes. The communication styles differ noticeably.
International Danes see all the brightest aspects of collaboration, they accept differences and are very inclusive. International Danes absorb everything positive despite the specific attributes of various cultures. They are eager to understand and to learn.
On the contrary, the representatives of the second category (regrettably those who dominate) resist any possible “intrusion” and exclude other nationalities by whispering to each other in the presence of anyone with any difference from their background. They blame foreigners for every sin and even more. Exactly them who use the Danish language as a hidden psychological weapon for excluding whomever non-native from their circles. Therefore, the society is strictly stratified into national minorities and Danes.
Cosiness, comfort, and contentment
The Danish concept of living emphasizes cosiness, comfort, and contentment, often achieved through simple pleasures like spending time with loved ones, enjoying tasty food, or creating a warm, welcoming environment.
Competition and Views
This tiny society is competitive. Every Dane competes…First, with each other and afterwards – with every foreigner in the country and the rest of the world. Locally they are described as “squared ones” since they hardly step aside from their stereotypes looking at anything at a wider angle. It means if anything is slightly different from their projection it is automatically excluded from their views.
Focus on Bigger Markets
Nevertheless, they are more than focused on bigger markets and especially attracted to all that originated in the USA and by Americans due to the impactful influence of that state on the progress in development at some point in their history.
Insights into Communication Across Cultures
Contribution and Welfare
From the point of the labour force divisions, Danes contribute according to the scheme: two-thirds are engaged in the private sector supporting one-third of the state workers via taxation mechanisms. Therefore, the difference in remuneration packages is obvious and entails competition even in narrower circles.
Danes can be perceived as arrogant since they are quite direct and apply a lot of sarcasm in their humour. They love rumours – therefore so-called “boulevard media” is in high demand and every social talk contains the most recently spread one.
Trust and Social Justice
Danes tend to value fairness and social justice. Besides, trust is a central aspect of Danish society, whether it is trust in the government, institutions, or fellow citizens. Employers trust employees on their sick leave, farmers trust buyers displaying everyday essentials such as vegetables, flowers, and dairy products at near-the-road kiosks where a buyer pays without any observation or control being honest for the purchase and the appropriate payment to a farmer.
Danes prioritize a healthy work-life balance, with shorter workweeks and a focus on leisure and family time. The Danish labour market often emphasizes flexibility, allowing for a better balance between professional and personal life.
“The Law of Jante”
“The Law of Jante” is a cultural mindset that encourages modesty and discourages excessive pride or self-promotion. Being originated from Scandinavia, particularly Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, it represents a set of social norms that discourages individual success and standing out from the crowd. Those unannounced rules reflect Scandinavian values that suppress individuality and promote conformity.
The Ten Rules of Jante: 1. You are not to think you are anything special. 2. You are not to think you are as good as we are. 3. You are not to think you are smarter than we are. 4. You are not to convince yourself that you are better than we are. 5. You are not to think you know more than we do. 6. You are not to think you are more important than we are. 7. You are not to think you are good at anything. 8. You are not to laugh at us. 9. You are not to think anyone cares about you. 10. You are not to think you can teach us anything.
These rules represent a form of social pressure that discourages people from thinking they are superior to others, showing off, or being too ambitious.
In Denmark, for example, success and achievements are often downplayed, and people are expected to remain humble about their accomplishments. There is a strong focus on community and shared success rather than individual recognition.
Marketing Communications
The cost of living in Denmark is high. Therefore, Danes are addicted to all possible special price promotions: discounts, free samples and gifts. Discounted campaigns and similar special promotions run continuously. Danish customers are spoiled by the high standards of quality. Nevertheless, they are price sensitive. Therefore, they try to get that high quality but for a reduced price. Such an attitude applies to all formats of business negotiations as well.
Exploring Danish Culture: Communicative Dynamics
Do you need cross-cultural facilitation?
Your headquarters are in Europe, while production facilities are located elsewhere.
Do you struggle with variations in distant power dynamics?
Discover more from Julia Karmaz Larsen
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
