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Working with the Finns

Working with the Finns. Difference between urban and rural areas. Finnish religion. 86% Evangelical Lutheran Church 1.5% Greek Orthodox Church Secularized Prevailing traditions Weddings, christenings, funerals, Christmas church, confirmation God respected, part of patriotism.

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Working with the Finns

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  1. Working with the Finns

  2. Difference between urban and rural areas

  3. Finnish religion • 86% Evangelical Lutheran Church • 1.5% Greek Orthodox Church • Secularized • Prevailing traditions • Weddings, christenings, funerals, Christmas church, confirmation • God respected, part of patriotism

  4. Finnish values • Honesty – in communication too • Truth – one truth based on facts • Independence and self reliance • Endurance – hard work is good • Self effacement - modesty

  5. Finnish values • Results • Control of feelings • Laws and rules • Work, family, nature, home • Finnishness • Flexibility

  6. Finnish disposition – how it may seem to others • Social silence vs lack of interest • “stupidity” illness • Matter of fact vs impersonality • Calmness vs unemotional • Lack of intonation vs dullness • Seriousness vs melancholy

  7. Finnish disposition – how it may seem to others • Modesty vs insecurity • Directness vs abruptness • Honesty vs naivety • Short small talk vs lack of personal interest • Respect for privacy vs rejection of personal contact

  8. What makes a Finn happy • Home sweet home – a home of ones own • Sunny weather • An honest relationship – actions, gestures and words • A trusting, sincere relationship – fidelity and security • The freedom to be oneself

  9. Nature’s impact on Finnish values • Endurance – survival through winter and poverty • Self reliance – long distances to neighbors • Results – essential for survival when hunting, providing firewood and shelter • Honest communication – “is the bear alive”-needs 100% reliable answers • Control of feelings – fear of danger, loneliness or dislike for harsh conditions had to be conquered – calmness essential for survival

  10. Impact of history on Finnish values • Independence – survival alone as a nation • Flexibility – success in changing surroundings • Finnishness – survival between different cultures and with one threatening culture • Self-effacement – not to arouse attention among neighbors nor cause envy (Nordic value)

  11. Finnish small talk topics • Very few “not appropriate” topics • Finnish sports – Olympics etc • Finnish weather, seasons and nature • Finnish language – learn a few words • World events and politics • Result oriented – practical issues

  12. Topics causing offence • Over criticism about Finland – like most nations, they criticize their culture themselves, but when a foreigner does the same thing, they become defensive and overreact • Contempt for God or church • Disrespect for law – some people think that even crossing the road at red traffic light is an offense • Too “private” topics if you are not friends and until trust (through accomplishments, keeping promises)is built

  13. Finnish drinking • Intoxication oriented culture and normal European style is becoming more common • Occasional intoxication in free time in all social classes – now less common at work related social events • European drinking habits spreading in the cities and among the educated • Schnapps and toasts among Swedish speaking Finns • Strict drunk driving rules • Drugs a big taboo and not tolerated at all

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