For neel: writing research paper

To: Ms. Glassander

From: X

Date: October 29, 2012

Subject: Expatriate Research: Denmark

After learning about my promotion to the position of Director of Human Resources for Nestle in Denmark, I began my research immediately. I have been able to locate various insights as to what my life will be like once I relocate there with my family and how I should adapt to Denmark’s business culture.

Workplace culture

The management style in Denmark is considered to be flat management and informal. While most interactions throughout the day are conducted with first names only, it is important to use Herr (Mister), Fru (Misses), Froken (Miss) until invited to use an informal name. Denmark is considered to be egalitarian, with everyone equal despite title or gender. Team and group work are common ways to conduct business. Because of being a more egalitarian country, everything is open for discussion and each point of view is considered. On average, 24% of workplaces were found to have extensive joint decision-making and negotiating processes. In Denmark is it 44%, respectively. These are most of the differences between business procedures in America versus Denmark. Danishnet.com includes a helpful list of the business etiquette:

· Appointments are required and confirmed in writing

· Extremely punctual

· Shake hands with everyone before and after meeting. Maintain eye contact and initiate handshake with women first

· Business cards are expected and exchanged

· Decisions are made after consulting everyone

· Communication is direct

Most of these are similar to the business procedures in America, so it will not be difficult to adapt to business life in Denmark. Understanding the key differences in work environment and group-centeredness are important for my success in the new post.

Working Conditions

The working conditions in Denmark make it a favorable environment to work. Most companies have flexible schedules, and the norm is that offices are empty by 4 pm. This verifies Danes’ common trust in employees. There is also job mobility within a company, especially for women. Other countries that are less egalitarian do not offer such mobility. Although there is job mobility and a high level of English-speaking population, the ability to speak Danish will expand opportunities and help integration into the society. Learning to speak Danish, the primary language, is respected. Every newcomer holding a residence permit has to the right to receive Danish courses for three years (Danish Chamber of Commerce). Since I will be a resident, I plan to utilize this opportunity to learn more of the Danish language to become a respected member of this company in Denmark.

Table 1 illustrates that the working conditions in Denmark are satisfactory based on the study by The Journal of Socio-Economics.

Table 1

Social Life and Family

There is a clear division between work and social life, where colleagues do not often go out together after hours. However, they do enjoy leisure time mainly with close friends and family in their homes. This is what is called ‘Hygge’, which means enjoying good company and the simple things in life. I have learned that if I am to be invited over to a Danes’ house, I should bring a gift, preferably wrapped in red paper, and that it will be opened when it is received. Also, a few of the proper public behaviors include being courteous to everyone and talking in moderate tones. Knowing the eccentricities of these cultural interactions can ensure that I do not offend a new acquaintance. Being an expatriate, it is important to establish a family foundation first, as noted by Clouse and Watkins in Three Keys to Success. Having children of my own, I found it interesting that childcare is affordable in Denmark due to the number of two-family incomes. Being comfortable and happy with my family in Denmark is important and I am reassured by the research. There is a well-established work-life balance and an overall sense of well-being in Denmark. Family and leisure seem to be significant aspects of life, unlike the ‘workaholic’ mentality in America.

Quality of Life

Taxes and the cost of living in Denmark are high. However, the standard of living is also high and the purchasing power of the Krone, the nation’s money, is equitable to other European city indexes. There is low income inequality and because of high taxes, a functioning social welfare system is in place. The social welfare system provides free quality healthcare and education to Denmark’s residents. Denmark also has lower crime rates that any other European city. Many expatriates have noted that all of these factors make living in Denmark enjoyable and surprisingly safe for their families. Having my family safe will help me focus at work and work the most effectively. It also makes it easier for my family and I to relocate overseas without having doubts.

I have learned about many aspects of life in Denmark. I am glad that I have researched it beforehand, because it is quite different than what I have experienced here in America. Denmark has been nominated by researchers and studies as the ‘happiest place on Earth’. I am now comfortable with moving abroad knowing more about the business culture, which can help me succeed in this new culture. My family is also reassured that it is a safe, family-oriented country. Internet tools such as Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands could be a great resource to utilize on daily basis while living abroad. I am very excited to begin this journey to Denmark and continue to progress in this company.

Farvel!

Works Cited Business Etiquette in Denmark. (2008). Retrieved from Danishnet.com: http://www.danishnet.com/info.php/business/meeting-etiquette-38.html Clouse, M., & Watkins, M. (2009, May). Three Keys to Getting an Overseas Assignment Right. Retrieved from Managing Yourself: https://blackboard.uncg.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-2272146-dt-content-rid-5334881_2/courses/MGT-309-10-FALL2012/Three%20Keys%20to%20Getting%20An%20Overseas%20Assignment%20Right.pdf Danish Chamber of Commerce and Oxford Research. (n.d.). Living and Working in Denmark. Retrieved from http://expatindenmark.com/Documents/livingandworking_dk.pdf Denmark. (2012, October 11). Retrieved from Kwintesstial: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/denmark-country-profile.html Oliu, W., Brusaw, C., & Alred, G. (2010). Writing International Correspondence. In Writing that Works (p. 343). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's. Terri, M., & Conway, W. A. (2006). Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands. Avon, MA : Adams Media.