Attitudes and values form the basis of any culture.

They reflect the

ways people think and behave. Knowledge of these can be of
significant importance if you wish to communicate with your
counterparts effectively. Ignorance of these issues can put up a
cultural barrier that may inhibit the communication process, and
have a negative effect on the success of your activities in a country.

Corporate social responsibility

Sweden is one of the world’s leading countries in corporate social
responsibility (CSR). Issues such as climate change, gender,
human rights and anti-corruption are all taken into account when
doing business. Since the 1970s Sweden has been active and fast
in reacting to the calls for CSR which nowadays is considered to be
a crucial part of strategic planning in Swedish business life.

More information:

 http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Business/ethics_and_business/Re
ading/Sweden-CSR/ [en]

Punctuality
In Sweden, as in Finland and Denmark, punctuality is very important
both when doing business and making social engagements. It
follows that you should never be late. If you must be late for any
reason it is polite to phone and let someone know. Being late is
seen as poor etiquette.

Scheduling and planning are sometimes mentioned as part of the

Swedish ‘way of life’. As a general rule spontaneity and
improvisation are not the strongest characteristics of Swedes.
 Gift giving
In business dealings, gifts are rarely given at the beginning of the
relationship. Wait for your Swedish partner to give you a gift first.
Although exchanging gifts is not common at the beginning of a
business relationship, it is appropriate when you are closing your
transaction.

At social events gifts are expected. For instance, when you are
invited to a dinner, flowers, liquor, wine, cake, or chocolates are
appreciated by the hostess. Chrysanthemums, white lilies, red roses
or orchids should be avoided as they are associated with other
occasions. Family is very important to Swedes, so it is much
appreciated if you bring small gifts for the family, e.g. candy for the
children.

Holiday cards are appropriate, particularly as a thank you for the

recipient’s business during the previous year, and these should be
mailed in time to be received the week before Christmas. It is
customary to exchange small gifts at Christmas among colleagues
and business partners, too.

More information:

 http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_se.htm [en]

Business dress code

Sweden is one of the European countries where a casual dress
code is the most popular in the work place. However, for business
appointments you should dress more conservatively. Swedes
themselves are usually fashionably well-dressed in public.
Appropriate clothes would be a dark suit and tie for men, and a
business suit or skirt and blouse for women. Trousers are also
acceptable for businesswomen in Sweden. Swedes value quality
and that is also true when it comes to clothes.

The all-embracing value of egalitarianism in Swedish society can be

seen in the business dress code. Modesty and a low profile are
important. Avoid wearing anything flashy, even the most senior
executives do not dress more elaborately than average employees.

Most restaurants do not require a tie for men, although upscale

ones expect both men and women to dress well. Highly-styled
clothing is preferred by the Swedes in the evening when going out
and this is even the case in the smaller towns.

You should remember that there are four distinct seasons in

Sweden. This should be taken into account when planning what to
wear. During the height of summer, the weather can be hot and
humid. The long winter requires appropriate winter clothes: heavy
coats, warm gloves, hats, and boots. As is the case throughout all
the Nordic countries, the colder weather allows women, and
sometimes men, to wear heavy boots to work, and then to change
into more comfortable office shoes. Because it is cold in Sweden,
be prepared to dress in layers.

Bribery and corruption

Sweden is one of the least corrupt countries in the world and there
is very strong public opinion against all modes of corruption. Since
1962, the Swedish criminal code has included sanctions against any
person receiving or giving any kind of bribe. This is good news for
investors who want to set up a business in Sweden.
 Norway

Facts & Stats

 Located on the western Scandinavian peninsula
 Covers 148,747 square miles
 Population: 5,213,985
 Capital city: Oslo
 Other major cities: Stavanger, Bergen and Trondheim
 Borders: Finland, Sweden, and Russia with Denmark situated just across the Skagerrak Strait
 Constitutional monarchy
 Egalitarian culture

Finland Finland is much different in its business culture in comparison to that of the West. As

when doing business with any new culture, it is best to learn as much as possible about their

culture in general, as well as in the business world.

Finland is, officially, The Republic of Finland, located in the Fennoscandian portion of Europe,
and is bordered by Sweden, Norway and Russia. There are several languages with the primary
languages being Finnish and Swedish. The Finnish people are considered to be loyal, reliable,
and self-sufficient, who value their privacy. They are also leaders in the peace processes. Their
culture is different than that of the West in many ways. The culture of the Finnish in general,
also carries over to the business world.

They meet and greet everyone with a handshake and leave with a handshake, regardless of it is
a man, woman or child. They are a shy people who value their privacy and space. Unlike those
in the West, it is not considered to be polite if you start up a conversation with those in Finland
while in public. You absolutely do not hug, kiss or touch in any way. Maintain eye contact at all
times, and leave your hands out of your pockets.

Corporate Etiquette

The Finnish, might be considered, as we call it in the West, “All Business.” They are punctual,
and expect all who are attending a meeting to be punctual as well. It would be wise to phone in
if you are going to be more than five minutes late for a meeting. Unlike other cultures, they are
all business, and address the agenda without any small talk beforehand. During the meeting,
there may be moments of silence. During this time, it is appropriate to wait, and not to interrupt.

There is no distinction between the male or female role in business. In the business world of
Finland, women are equals.

Often, it becomes difficult in determining who makes the decisions, or whether decision making
is divided among several corporate heads or managers. In Finland, the Managing Director is the
only decision maker.

Businessmen and Business women in Finland are English speaking in most cases. So, there
should not be a language barrier. The only issue would be that the Fins are precise. There is no
need to speak loudly or quickly. Business can be discussed at anytime, with one exception.

Dress: Informal yet conservative

Dining/Entertainment

Business can be discussed almost anywhere including saunas, or during mealtime, except
during dinner. It is common to have lunch before or after a visit to the sauna. Sauna time is
done in the nude. Although it is not expected of others, wearing a towel or bathing suit is
appropriate, although they may think it is rather odd to be clothed in the sauna.

Once dinner is completed, business can be discussed during coffee time. Dessert and cognac
will also be served. It is not polite to leave beforehand. Any business discussion may last
several hours after the meal is completed.

If you invite someone to a meal, you are expected to pay for it. Splitting checks is not
acceptable. If you have a lunch with Finnish businessmen, business can be discussed at
anytime.

Gifts

If you are invited to the home, it is expected to bring a gift for your hostess. An odd number of
flowers such as tulips, wine or chocolates. Never give white and yellow flowers or potted plants
for a gift.

You are not required to take a gift or even a small token to a business meeting. However, once
a deal is struck and completed, gifts are appropriate. Some gift ideas include: books, art, glass,
cognac, wine, or liquor. If you purchase a gift in Finland, expect the prices to be higher than
what you may be accustomed to.