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 million  The head of state is Queen Margrethe II  Denmark has a long history of democratic rule  The 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

Greetings  Greetings 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-keyed  Neatness 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.

Introductions  Saying 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 awkward  Woman 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 Etiquettes  Table 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 bizcountries09-business-washington-best-countries.html bizcountries09-business-washington-best-countries.html Politics/Political-System/Political-System-Overview/Danish-Politics / Politics/Political-System/Political-System-Overview/Danish-Politics / etiquette/denmark-country-profile.html etiquette/denmark-country-profile.html ess_Dress ess_Dress