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Business Culture in Finland

Find out about business culture, protocol, customs and business etiquette in finland. Learn about doing successful business in finland, marketing, corporate structure, negotiating, establishing connections and finding your partner. Receive latest information on finland business organization, manners, building relationship, correspondence and traditions. Get practical tips on meeting protocol, business entertainment, communication, social customs and much more.

Doing Business in Finland

The conception of Finns being a taciturn people of few words dates back quite a long way and is no longer wholly valid, at least not for the younger generation. Still, it is fair to say that Finns have a special attitude to words and speaking: words are taken seriously, and a person is taken at his word. An old Finnish proverb states: Take a man by his word and a bull by its horn. Because of this, a Finn usually carefully considers what he says and expects everyone else to do so too. He takes verbal contracts and promises as binding upon both himself and the other party regardless of the circumstances in which they have been made; to a Finn, the value of words cannot change according to when and where they are uttered. ... » » » MORE

Business and entertainment are not usually combined in Finland unless the business associate is visiting from abroad. Lunch as a business vehicle is much less common than in other places. Business is confined to the office or boardroom where open-face sandwiches may be brought in at lunch. It is not uncommon to be invited into the home. There is generally less use of restaurants for entertaining. Business breakfasts and lunches are acceptable. Business dining can take place in the home or in restaurants. Spouses, and sometimes even children, are included in business meals. ... » » » MORE

Business Customs and Protocol in Finland

It is customary in greeting for the parties to shake hands and make eye contact. A bow involving the whole body demonstrates great respect, but for general purposes a simple nod of the head is generally sufficient. A Finnish handshake is short and firm and involves no reinforcing gestures such as touching the other's elbow or shoulder. In greeting a couple, the woman is always greeted first except on formal occasions, in which case the person the invitation has been addressed to is always the first to greet the hosts. Shaking hands extends even to children. Embracing when greeting is rare in Finland. When greeting someone on the street, a man should raise his hat; in winter or otherwise cold weather, it is sufficient to touch the brim of the hat with the hand. ... » » » MORE

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