| Overview
& cultural perspective |
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Sharing its borders with Norway and Finland,
Sweden joined the EU in 1995 but decided against
the Euro in 2003.
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| With
a highly skilled labour force and rich resources
of timber and iron ore, Sweden's economy ranks 8th
out of 19 West European economies; ahead of its
Nordic neighbours, Norway, Denmark, and Finland.
The public sector in Sweden plays a key role in
the economy. Nowadays, economic success masks an
uneasy historic past with her Nordic neighbours
over power and control of the region. The settled
political climate among Scandinavian countries truly
began after each had been granted independence.
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| Sweden is a constitutional monarchy.
The official language is Swedish with a minority
speaking Sami and Finnish. 87% of people are Lutheran
with the remaining being Roman Catholic, Baptist,
Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist. There is
a high level of tolerance and appreciation of cultural
diversity; with Egalitarianism being a strong ideal
in the society. Openness, as another important principle
has also been long reflected in Swedish law and
politics. |
| Alcohol consumption level as
a previously problematic issue has been moderated
over the past decades; largely due to the strict
government policies such as high taxation and monopoly
in selling alcohol. |
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| Context & cultural awareness |
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Derived from their egalitarian value system,
Swedish companies put a strong emphasis on consulting
with staff before any final decision. This could
make the decision-making a longer process, so
be prepared to invest time and wait patiently
for the outcome.
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| Their high-tech industries are
know for attention to detail in producing high quality
goods often makes it hard to negotiate for a better
price; there is an uneasy balance between what Swedes
believe is value and that they might not be as profit-minded
as their international business partners; so avoid
over stressing the bottom line. On the same note,
Swedes tend to adopt a win-win strategy in business
negotiations, ensuring that all parties emerge feeling
there is mutual gain. |
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| Effective cross-cultural communication |
Swedes are direct and open communicators
and feel at ease using first names in business settings
almost immediately. Handshaking is done firmly but
with a lighter tone for women.
They are not known as emotive speakers; best to
use logic and well-presented information based on
facts and data when doing business with them. |
| Engaging
in small talk is not a strong point, so it is best
kept minimal; relationships tend to be formed through
doing business not to enable it to be done. Dress
code for businessmen and women is usually suits;
although smart; the style is quite modest and conservative.
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| Formal toasts and speeches are
made by the host's first and the same is also expected
of the honoured guest during or after the dinner;
not to forget the eye contact with the person for
whom you propose a toast. |
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