Working with Danes: Tips for Americans: An enjoyable look at the differences between US and Danish business culture

by Kay Xander Mellish

Many Americans enjoy working in Denmark or working with Danish business partners.But while Denmark is a great place to do business - with excellent infrastructure, minimal corruption, and flexible business structures – there are significant differences between American and Danish working culture.Why is being a boss in Denmark - or working for a Danish boss - so different than the boss-employee relationship in the US?What is "the law of Jante" and why does it mean that you should go easy on the positive feedback and compliments when working with Danes?Why are there fewer women in management in egalitarian Denmark than in the US?What do you need to know about Danish business etiquette? How far in advance should you schedule a Danish business meeting? Should you bring gifts to your Danish business partners?This fun, easy-to-read book by an American who has worked with several Danish companies will explain the do’s and don’ts of doing business in Denmark.It will help Americans understand their Danish colleagues better and avoid simple mistakes.

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2020

About the author

Kay Xander Mellish grew up in Wisconsin and graduated magna cum laude from New York University, where she studied journalism and art history. In addition to her non-fiction work, which has appeared in publications including the Wall Street Journal, the Guardian, Sports Illustrated, Mother Jones, and the Danish tabloid BT, Kay spent many years writing fiction.

Unable to find a publisher, she began flyposting the first page of her short stories on lampposts and construction sidings in New York City, with a voicemail number to call if readers wanted to hear the rest of the story. After a law-and-order mayor cracked down on flyposters, Kay took to the internet, creating in 1995 one of the first fiction sites on the web.

Kay moved to Denmark in 2000, and now runs the KXMGroup, a Copenhagen-based consultancy that helps Danish companies communicate in English.