| Overview
& cultural perspective |
|
Ruled by two of its neighbours; i.e., Sweden
and Russia for centuries, Finland gained independence
in 1917. With a highly industrialised and largely
free-market economy, its per capita income is
now on par with Western Europe. Manufacturing
as the major economic sector is found in engineering,
electronics, wood, metal and telecommunication
industries such as Nokia.
|
| Finland
was the first Nordic state to join the euro system.
The official languages are Finnish (92%) and Swedish
(5.6%). Majority of Finns (84.2%) belong to Lutheran
National Church and 1.1% to Greek Orthodox. |
| High level of alcohol consumption
in Finland has led to alcohol-driven diseases and
crime. The state has monopoly in distribution of
alcoholic beverages and in 2004; decision was made
to lower the tax rate on alcohol up to 40%. |
| The sauna is a venerated Finnish
tradition and has a special place in Finnish domestic
life. There are approximately 2,000,000 saunas for
a population of 5.2 million. |
|
| Context & cultural awareness |
|
Although Finnish management style is a combination
of authoritarianism and consultation; the corporate
climate is usually an informal one with minimal
bureaucracy. Punctuality and time efficiency are
two important criteria in doing business with
Finns; well reflected in their payments schedules
in international transactions.
|
| In business settings, greeting
is usually a brief firm handshake and eye contact
with no supporting gestures such as touching the
shoulder. When introducing themselves, Finns give
their first name followed by their surname. Married
women use their maiden name and their husband's
name in that order. Dress code is formal. |
| Business meetings tend to be
brief and to the point. However, the popularity
of sauna is also seen in business life; important
business meetings could be followed by a sauna where
the discussion is continued more informally. |
|
| Effective cross-cultural communication |
| Finns have a dry sense of humour
and use 'silence' as an integral part of their social
interactions. This should not be interpreted as
their lack of interest or communicative skills.
|
| Small
talk does not have much place in Finns' social life;
however, their wartime achievements against Russia
(aka. the Winter War) and high-tech expertise are
well worth acknowledging. |
| In formal dinners, the host
or hostess usually propose a toast at the beginning
of the meal. When proposing a toast by the host
or guest, eye contact is made both when raising
and lowering the glass at the table; the guest of
honour is seated to the right of the host or hostess. |
| Embracing or kissing when greeting
is rare and usually reserved for family members
or close friends. |
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