Finnish business culture is distinct, blending formality with directness, and emphasizing punctuality and efficiency.
While Finns may seem reserved initially, they are warm and friendly once you get to know them. Business relationships often develop into friendships over time.
Let’s talk about the essential aspects of Finnish business etiquette to help you conduct successful meetings and interactions.
Respect for Privacy and Personal Space
Privacy is a deeply ingrained value in Finnish culture. Finns appreciate their personal space and prefer to maintain a certain distance from others, even in public settings. On public transportation, such as buses and trains, people often remain quiet and avoid unnecessary interaction.
This cultural norm extends to business settings, where respecting personal space is essential. Meanwhile, when interacting with Finnish colleagues at first time or not familiar, maintain a comfortable distance and avoid physical contact like hugging or touching, which might be perceived as intrusive.
Honesty and Trust
Honesty is valued in Finnish culture, and Finns are known for their straightforwardness and truthfulness. In business, this means that transparency and integrity are paramount. Keeping promises and being open about intentions and actions are vital for building trust.
Finnish businesspeople value clear and honest communication, which lays the foundation for long-term professional relationships. It’s important to be sincere and avoid exaggeration, as Finns appreciate authenticity.
Communication Style
Finnish communication is characterized by its directness and honesty. Finns appreciate clear and straightforward conversations. Small talk is minimal, and people tend to get straight to the point. It doesn’t mean Finns are unfriendly; rather, they value efficiency and clarity.
Therefore, when engaging in discussions, it is important to be concise and avoid embellishments. Finns prefer focusing on the business at hand rather than engaging in lengthy, unrelated conversations.
The Role of Silence
Silence is an integral part of Finnish communication. Unlike in some cultures where silence might be uncomfortable, in Finland, it is seen as a natural and important part of interaction.
Silence allows for reflection and thought, and it is not uncommon for meetings to have pauses where participants consider the discussion. Embrace these moments of silence as opportunities to process information and formulate thoughtful responses.
Building Relationships
Finns are transactional in their business dealings and do not require long-standing personal relationships to conduct business. However, they do value long-term relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
It can help establish a strong foundation for future collaboration if you can demonstrate reliability and consistency in your interactions.
Showing an interest in Finnish culture and traditions can help strengthen business relationships. Learning a few basic Finnish phrases or expressing curiosity about local customs can go a long way in building rapport.
Finns appreciate sincerity, so genuine efforts to understand their culture are often well-received.
Business Meetings
Finnish business meetings are typically formal and well-structured. Agendas are often distributed in advance, allowing participants to come prepared. Meetings are not usually forums for debate but are intended for information exchange.
Finns value factual and intelligent discussions, and differing opinions are welcomed as part of a healthy discourse.
As a result, it is important to stick to the agenda and respect the time allocated for each topic.
Decision Making Process
Finnish society is highly egalitarian, meaning that everyone is treated equally, regardless of their position. The egalitarian approach extends to the workplace, where even junior employees may have significant decision-making authority.
Therefore, respect for all individuals is necessary in building successful business relationships. Hierarchies are less pronounced, and collaboration is encouraged.
Greeting Etiquette
Greetings in Finland are formal and respectful. A firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile are customary when meeting someone for the first time. It is common to address people by their titles and surnames until you’re invited to use first names. Such formality reflects the respect Finns have for professional boundaries and personal space.
Exchanging Business Cards
Business cards are exchanged in a straightforward manner without any elaborate ritual. However, they should be treated with respect. When receiving a business card, take a moment to look at it before putting it away. It is a small gesture, which shows appreciation and respect for the person you are meeting.
Dress Code
The business dress code in Finland is conservative yet stylish. Men typically wear dark-colored business suits, while women opt for conservative business suits, trouser suits, or dresses. Overdressing or wearing flashy clothing is not well-received, as it can be interpreted as arrogance.
Dressing appropriately demonstrates respect for the business environment and helps create a positive impression.
While formal attire is standard for business meetings, the dress code may vary depending on the occasion. For more casual business events or after-work gatherings, smart casual attire may be appropriate. Paying attention to the context and adjusting your attire accordingly can help you fit in and feel comfortable in different settings.
Importance of Punctuality
Punctuality is a cornerstone of Finnish culture. Arriving on time is not just a courtesy but a demonstration of respect and professionalism. Meetings are expected to start promptly, and lateness is often viewed as disrespectful.
If unforeseen circumstances delay your arrival, it is courteous to inform your Finnish colleagues or business partners as soon as possible.
Their respect for time extends to deadlines and project timelines as well. Being consistently punctual can help build trust and credibility in your business relationships.
Gift Giving
Gift giving is not a common practice in Finnish business culture. If you choose to give a gift, it should be modest and thoughtful. Avoid extravagant gifts, as they may be seen as inappropriate. Suitable gifts include chocolates, wine, or local specialties from your home country. When presenting a gift, do so with sincerity and without expecting anything in return.
Certain items should be avoided when selecting gifts. For example, white or yellow flowers and potted plants are associated with funerals and should not be given as gifts.
Sauna Culture
The sauna is an integral part of Finnish culture and often plays a role in business relationships. If you are invited to a sauna, it is polite to accept, as declining may be considered rude. The sauna is a place for relaxation and informal conversation, providing an excellent opportunity to build rapport with your Finnish counterparts.
It is recommended to follow local customs, such as showering before entering the sauna and using a towel to sit on.
While the sauna is a place for informal interaction, it is also an opportunity to strengthen business relationships. Conversations in the sauna are typically relaxed and may cover a range of topics, both personal and professional.
Participating in this tradition shows openness and a willingness to engage with Finnish culture, which can enhance mutual understanding and trust.
Dining Etiquette
In Finland, business lunches are common and can last from one to two hours. However, business is not usually discussed during dinner, which is reserved for more personal interactions. Always wait for the host to initiate business discussions.
When dining, table manners are important, and it’s customary to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Showing appreciation for the meal and the company fosters goodwill and strengthens relationships.
