Swedish Business Structures

Swedish Business Structures

Flat management and egalitarianism sit very comfortably together and this accounts for the fact that Swedish organisations tend to be less layered than in all other European countries.

The flatness of Swedish management structures is also mirrored in the levels of remuneration offered to different levels within a company. A combination of the tax regime and centrally agreed salary agreements have produced a country in which pay differentials are almost unbelievably low (although this is starting to change.)

Structures are designed to be pragmatic and systematic and to allow people to perform their tasks effectively and with as little disruption as possible. This does not, however, mean that structures are extremely inflexible. Indeed matrix management, which works better in Sweden than almost anywhere else, leads to an openness of communication and freedom of information which many more hierarchical societies would find almost anarchic.

One key organisational necessity worthy of note is the absolute need for punctuality. Don’t be late in Sweden if you want to maintain a professional image.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Sweden only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.