Cultural challenges in Finland

04/09/2023copyright: Return ticket

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Cultural challenges in FinlandMarja Saviaro

Expat expert, writer, coach

www.returnticket.fi


2 A Finn through the eyes of a foreigner

As you begin to discover the characteristics of other cultures, in this case Finland, remember that cultures vary internally and are changeable. There are usually many cultural differences within the country and nationality. People in the northern part of the Finland differ a lot from the ones living in the south.

The Finns are always very interested in knowing what other nationalities think about them. This curiosity has brought up a lot of research, where the images, opinions and stereotypes of other nations about the Finns have been explored.

When asked from the Brits, the Swedish, the Russians, the Americans, the French, the German, the Danish, the Italian, the Estonian, and the Chinese, a typical Finn is friendly, silent, timid, reticent, calm, and trustworthy. On the other hand the Finnish are considered to be withdrawn and silent.


3 Silent people

The conception that Finns are a reserved and silent people does not retain the same validity anymore, certainly not with the younger generations; but many foreigners think that the Finns seem to be quite comfortable with the silent moments in conversation. A Finn does not grow nervous if there are breaks in the conversation; silence is regarded as a part of communication. The silence causes the foreigner to follow his own course and when Finns fail to react openly the newcomer begins to question his role or identity.

Finns don't consider it to be so important to enhance the feeling of togetherness with the person they're talking with: Finns don't use many friendly words or gestures. This lack of symbols for contact and togetherness is often interpreted as impoliteness or awkwardness by the conversation partner coming from abroad. The inability of Finns to use softening words and polite phrases can also be interpreted as frankness, although the reasons behind it may very well derive from the fact that the Finns are not accustomed to using such small softening words, since in Finnish, they simply don't exist. Small talk, a skill at which Finns are notoriously lacking, is considered suspect by definition, and is not especially valued.


4 Silent people

This social silence, as it is also called, is sometimes a big problem for the intercultural communication between Finns, for it can lead to many misunderstandings.


5 Business etiquette

Finnish companies and employees are quite used to foreigners, at least in the cities. Finns are transactional and do not need long-standing personal relationships in order to conduct business.

Briefly on Finnish business etiquette

The basic business style is formal – i.e. there is relatively little small talk and Finns prefer people to speak succinctly and to focus purely on business.

Finns do not require face-to- face contact and, in fact, are quite comfortable using e- mail and video-negotiations.

Finns are excellent time managers who prefer to organise their workday in order to accomplish as much as possible.

Finns are interested in long-term relationships.



Relationship building often takes place outside the office

Finns are very work-oriented

Finns place a great value on speaking plainly and openly.

Finns respect honesty. What someone says is accepted at face value and this is a culture where “a man’s word is his bond” and will be treated as seriously as a written contract, so verbal commitments are considered agreements.

Professional differences are not viewed as personal attacks.


7 Business meetings

Appointments are necessary and should be made in advance by telephone or by e- mail

Do not schedule meetings between June and August as many Finns take vacation during the summer.

Finns appreciate punctuality; you should arrive at meetings on time or slightly early.

Expect a bare minimum of small talk, if any, before getting into the business discussion.

Meetings begin and end on time.


8 Business meetings

Finns seldom ask questions. The presenter is expected to make his/her case with sufficient detail so that their Finnish colleagues do not need to ask questions.

Value time. Focus on tangible action points instead of debating (which will be seen as wasting time and showing off)

Ask direct, fact-based contextualized questions. Make them as specific as possible.

Respect silence and stillness. Allow time for thought before speaking.

Be prepared for directness. It’s not rudeness. Be direct yourself.



Value the clarity of Finnish “lean” communication.

Listen and read between the lines.

Don’t over-use “I”.

Do not expect feedback.


10 Business cards

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.


11 Finnish meeting etiquette

When introducing themselves, Finns will give their first name followed by their surname.

Greetings are formal, with a firm handshake, direct eye-contact, and a smile when you meet and when you leave for the first time. After that simple hello is al that is required.

Women who use both their maiden name and their husband’s name will state them in this order.


12 More about Finnish meeting etiquette

Although Finns are very particular about any honorary, academic or professional titles they may have, they rarely mention these when introducing themselves.

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13 More information

Expat guide to Finland: Author Marja Saviaro

http://returnticket.fi/en/expat-guide


14 Return Ticket

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Cultural challenges in Finland

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