Workplace culture || page 7
The ups and downs of the egalitarian mindset The characteristic flat structure that allows everyone to be heard is connected to an egalitarian mindset and a welfare system that considers all individuals equal, and holds that no individual is more important than anyone else. The downside of this mindset was described as the 'Jante Law' by Danish-Norwegian author Axel Sandemose in the 1933 novel 'En flygtning krydser sit spor' (A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks). In the novel, a young man 'breaks' the Jante Law by bragging about himself, and claiming he is better and brighter than his fellow residents in the town of Jante. The downside to the egalitarian mindset, accor-
A sign of respect The flat structure and informal working environment also affect an employee's relationship with the management. This relationship is very different from what some expats are used to. Eliminating the differences between employees can seem like a lack of respect for management, but instead it is a sign that all employees are shown the same respect, regardless of their title. “I was surprised at lunch one day while I was still new. Two of my colleagues were discussing something at the lunch table. The boss came in, and he obviously had something to say, but he had to wait until they finished. They where just talking about their weekend, but he was supposed to wait.”
ding to Sandemose, is that individual accomplishment is not always recognised and accepted. The Jante Law is not a real law but a critical note on a cultural characteristic. It is a characteristic that still indirectly influences parts of Danish culture - and to some extent workplaces. Although the mindset is frequently attacked, it is worth bearing in mind that measured humility is still a Danish virtue – also at work.