Lim Sien Yang - Doing Business in Nordic Cluster Countries

Doing Business In Nordic Cluster Countries

FINLAND

Facts and Figures of Finland Located in Northern Europe. Cold temperate Climate. Capital, Helsinki. Area 338,145 sq km. Population 5,244,749 (2008 estimate). GDP in US$210.7 billion (2006) GDP per capita US$40,000 (2006)

Map of Finland

Social Culture of Finland Ethnic Make-up: Finn 93%, Swede 6%,

Sami 0.11%, Roma 0.12%, Tatar 0.02%. Religions: Evangelical Lutheran (Protestant). Types of Government: Republic. Official Language: Finnish. People: Humble and modest.

Business Etiquette of Finland Greeting

Greetings are formal, with a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile.

It is common practice to repeat your first and surname while shaking hands.

When greeting a married couple, the wife should be greeted first.

Business Etiquette of Finland Giving Gift

If you are invited to a Finn's home, bring flowers, good quality chocolates or wine to the host.

Flowers should not be given in even numbers. Do not give white or yellow flowers since they are

used at funerals. Do not give potted plants. Gifts are opened when received.

Business Etiquette of Finland Table Manners

Wait to be told where to sit. Table manners are important. Do not begin eating until the hostess invites you to start. Bread and shrimp are the only foods eaten by hand. When passing salt and pepper shakers, put them on the

table within the person's reach. Do not give them directly. Finish everything on your plate.

Business Etiquette of Finland Business Meeting Etiquette

You should arrive at meetings on time or slightly early. Appointments are necessary and should be made in

advance. It is extremely difficult to meet with people without a formal

appointment. Do not schedule meetings between June and August as

many Finns take vacation during the summer. Send an agenda before the meeting. Meetings begin and end on time. There is no taboo on humor in the business environment.

Business Etiquette of Finland Business Card Etiquette

Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.

Present your business card so it is readable to the recipient.

Treat someone's business card with respect as it symbolizes the way you will treat them.

Business EtiquetteFinland Vs Asian

FINLAND ASIANMore formal in business meeting.

More informal in business meeting.

Appointment are necessary before meeting.

Welcome to meet guest even without appointment.

Prefer efficient manner in business negotiation.

Need more time spent in business negotiation.

No taboo on humor in the business environment.

Avoid sensitive topic in business.

Firm hand shake before and after meeting.

Sometimes souvenir gift is necessary before meeting.

Important Business Taboo in Asian Countries In the People's Republic of China (PRC), don't write notes using

red ink and number four. This suggests that the writer will die soon.

In Malaysia, many leading businessmen have been conferred with a titled name and must addressed properly.

In South Korea, don't fondle or scribble on your host's business card it is offended.

In India, the significance of a business arrangement is often determined by the amount of time spent in negotiations.

In Indonesia, never touch a person's head, or point with your forefinger, as this is considered impolite.

In Thailand, it is considered offensive to show the sole of the shoe or foot to another.

In Japan, never expect a junior person to make an on-the-spot decision. Hierarchies must be respected.

References http://www.tomcoyner.com/

introduction_to_asian_business_e.htm#HIGHLIGHTS

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/country-profiles.html