Differences between Danish and Swedish management

Abstract

To most non‐Scandinavians Danes and Swedes are very much alike. The same language, the same social and democratic political system, and more or less the same history and culture. But there are differences which may be not observable to outsiders, but certainly are to the people involved. It is not the same managing an organisation in Sweden and Denmark. Based on personality tests data, this article confirm the perceived difference between the two groups. Swedish managers appear more organised, structured, and systematic, as they seek consensus through social processes. The individual strives for power and authority is on the group’s terms. The Danes are seen as more undisciplined and impulsive, with a tendency towards the anarchistic, because the individuals strive for power, authority and control more based on the individuals’ own terms.

Citation

Havaleschka, F. (2002), "Differences between Danish and Swedish management", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 23 No. 6, pp. 323-332. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730210441283