Flat Hierarchies: The pros and cons of a high trust Danish workplace artwork
What The Denmark | Danish Culture for Expats, Internationals and Danes

Flat Hierarchies: The pros and cons of a high trust Danish workplace

  • S1E2
  • 41:30
  • April 8th 2021

Denmark and other Nordic countries are celebrated for their flat organisations and inclusive work practices, and for a good reason. 

But what are the downsides of this approach? Why do some people coming in from a more hierarchical culture find it demotivating to work this way?

In this episode Sam and Josefine speak with management expert Chris Shern, international CEO Nico Blier-Silvestri and Danish architect Josefine Bols.

The episode covers various topics including:

  • A Foundation of Trust
  • Flat power distribution in practice
  • Story time: dirty dishes
  • Practical advice for managers and employees

Read more at: https://www.whatthedenmark.com/blog-post/flat-hierarchies

What The Denmark | Danish Culture for Expats, Internationals and Danes

Danish culture can be pretty confusing, especially if you are not from Denmark.

This podcast is on a mission to resolve cultural confusion in the country.

Co-hosts Sam Floy (British podcaster, "The Outsider") and Josefine Volqvartz (Danish TV journalist, "The Insider") speak to experts and members of the public to understand and explain why something so normal in Danish culture is confusing to outsiders.

Rather than simply point fun, or say something like "Danes have an ironic sense of humour" we go deep, by speaking to experts to explain why.

Importantly, this show is as much for Danes as it is non-Danes.

What The Denmark is an educational, entertaining and inclusive show where we take a curious look at things that seem normal in Denmark, and get to the bottom of why.

If you've ever felt that you want to understand more about Denmark and Danish culture, then this is the podcast for you!

Learn more at https://www.whatthedenmark.com/