Navigating Cultural Differences in Business: Scandinavia vs. the US

Understanding, accepting and adapting

I clearly remember when I moved from Sweden to the US and the differences in the work environment that I encountered. Some were subtle, some not so much. I’ve always been more of an “outspoken” Swede, which quite honestly made my transition easier than for many others. It is, however, important to understand and recognize how challenging this can be whether you are Scandinavian, setting up in the US or like me, an American Swede, spending a lot of time in both countries.

As a business owner and sales professional who has worked extensively in both Scandinavia and the US, I’ve experienced firsthand the contrasting business cultures of these regions. Today I help companies that are looking to make this move, so that they can fast-track their business setup and minimize the challenges that are inherent with an undertaking of this scale.

Here are some of the cultural differences to consider when you move from Scandinavia to the US, and how they can impact your business operations and sales strategies.

One of the most noticeable differences between Scandinavian and US business cultures is communication style.

The approach to decision-making also varies significantly.

Work-life balance is another area where these cultures diverge.

Sales strategies and buyer interactions also reflect cultural differences.

Understanding, accepting and adapting