Culture Smart! Finland

A Quick Guide to Customs and Etiquette

Terttu Leney

Publisher: Kuperard, 2005 , 168 pages

ISBN: 1-85733-364-0

Synopsis:

Toggle Synopsis

Culture Smart! Finland offers illuminating insights into Finnish culture and society. it will help you to turn your visit — whether on business or for pleasure — into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include:

• How to avoid culture shock
• Finnish attitudes and values
• Historical and political background
• Religion, customs, and traditions
• The Finns at home
• Leisure, social, and cultural life
• Dos, don'ts, and taboos
• Body language
• Hospitality, food, and drink
• Giving and receiving gifts
• Business briefing
• Language and communication

Table of Contents:

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• Chapter 1: Land and People
• Geographical Overview
• Climate
• Wildlife
• A Brief History
• Government and Politics
• Finland and Its Neighbors
• The Finns Today
• Cities in Finland
  
• Chapter 2: Values and Attitudes
• Sisu
• Proud to Be Finnish
• Democracy
• Equality
• Honesty
• Community Spirit
• Personal Relationships
• The Church and Religion
• Attitudes to Foreigners
  
• Chapter 3: Festivals and Customs
• National Celebrations
• Festivals
• Family Celebrations
  
• Chapter 4: Making Friends
• Hospitality
• Conversation and Culture
• Formality Versus Informality
• Alcohol and Entertainment
• Gift Giving
• Joining Clubs and Societies
  
• Chapter 5: The Finns at Home
• Quality of Life
• Living Conditions
• The Finnish Family
• Daily Life and Routines
• The Summerhouse
• Attitudes to Children
• Schools and Education
• Television and Radio
• Renting Property
• Appliances
  
• Chapter 6: Time Out
• Shopping
• Banks and Cash Machines
• Eating Out
• Buying Alcohol and Drinking
• Nightlife
• Smoking
• Sex and the City
• Complaining
• High Culture
• Popular Culture
• Sports
• Country Pursuits
• The Country Code: Everyman's Rights
  
• Chapter 7: Traveling
• Driving
• Taxis
• Cycling
• Public Transportation
• Where to Stay
• Health and Security
• Clothing
  
• Chapter 8: Business Briefing
• Getting Down to Business
• Office Style and Etiquette
• Who's Who in Finnish Business
• Communication Styles
• Presentations
• Teamwork
• Leadership and Decision Making
• Timing and Punctuality
• Meetings and Negotiations
• Handling Disagreements
• Contracts
  
• Chapter 9: Communicating
• Language
• Silence
• Body Language
• Conversation
• Humor
• Written Communications
• Services
• Conclusions