"Working with the Finns"
•Download as PPT, PDF•
1 like•971 views
Cross Cultural presentation on how best to work with colleagues, customers and peers from Finland
Recommended
More Related Content
What's hot
What's hot (14)
Similar to "Working with the Finns"
Similar to "Working with the Finns" (20)
Recently uploaded
Recently uploaded (20)
"Working with the Finns"
- 1. Working with the Finns
- 2. Difference between urban and rural areas Urban Rural “time is money” More relaxed and slow “city slickers” farmers More versatile subcultures Finnish culture, habits and cuisine “business appearance” More international More people oriented
- 3. Finnish religion • 86% Evangelical Lutheran Church • 1.5% Greek Orthodox Church • Secularized • Prevailing traditions • Weddings, christenings, funerals, Christmas church, confirmation • God respected, part of patriotism
- 4. Finnish values • Honesty – in communication too • Truth – one truth based on facts • Independence and self reliance • Endurance – hard work is good • Self effacement - modesty
- 5. Finnish values • Results • Control of feelings • Laws and rules • Work, family, nature, home • Finnishness • Flexibility
- 6. Finnish disposition – how it may seem to others • Social silence vs lack of interest – “stupidity” illness • Matter of fact vs impersonality • Calmness vs unemotional • Lack of intonation vs dullness • Seriousness vs melancholy
- 7. Finnish disposition – how it may seem to others • Modesty vs insecurity • Directness vs abruptness • Honesty vs naivety • Short small talk vs lack of personal interest • Respect for privacy vs rejection of personal contact
- 8. What makes a Finn happy • Home sweet home – a home of ones own • Sunny weather • An honest relationship – actions, gestures and words • A trusting, sincere relationship – fidelity and security • The freedom to be oneself
- 9. Nature’s impact on Finnish values • Endurance – survival through winter and poverty • Self reliance – long distances to neighbors • Results – essential for survival when hunting, providing firewood and shelter • Honest communication – “is the bear alive”needs 100% reliable answers • Control of feelings – fear of danger, loneliness or dislike for harsh conditions had to be conquered – calmness essential for survival
- 10. Impact of history on Finnish values • Independence – survival alone as a nation • Flexibility – success in changing surroundings • Finnishness – survival between different cultures and with one threatening culture • Self-effacement – not to arouse attention among neighbors nor cause envy (Nordic value)
- 11. Finnish small talk topics • Very few “not appropriate” topics • Finnish sports – Olympics etc • Finnish weather, seasons and nature • Finnish language – learn a few words • World events and politics • Result oriented – practical issues
- 12. Topics causing offence • Over criticism about Finland – like most nations, they criticize their culture themselves, but when a foreigner does the same thing, they become defensive and overreact • Contempt for God or church • Disrespect for law – some people think that even crossing the road at red traffic light is an offense • Too “private” topics if you are not friends and until trust (through accomplishments, keeping promises)is built
- 13. Finnish drinking • Intoxication oriented culture and normal European style is becoming more common • Occasional intoxication in free time in all social classes – now less common at work related social events • European drinking habits spreading in the cities and among the educated • Schnapps and toasts among Swedish speaking Finns • Strict drunk driving rules • Drugs a big taboo and not tolerated at all