Finland - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture (118)

"The people of this land of white summer nights and pristine lakes are famous for their sisu, a form of enterprising stoicism. Shaped by the harsh physical beauty around them, the Finns can be melancholy, yet have a great sense of humor and they love to dance, sing, and perform. Culture Smart! Finland offers you a deeper, more rewarding experience of this beautiful land." The people of this land of white summer nights and pristine lakes are famous for their sisu, a form of enterprising stoicism. They are survivors: if you were stranded on a desert island, your ideal companion would be a Finn. Before you knew it, the sauna would be ready, fishhooks positioned, a fire burning, and any edible berries picked and prepared for eating. Shaped by the harsh physical beauty around them, the Finns can be melancholy, yet have a great sense of humor. Their music is often in the minor key, but they love to dance, sing, and perform. They cherish their traditions, from name days to near-pagan rituals, yet they are great innovators. Culture Smart! Finland describes the historical, geographical, and cultural influences that have shaped the Finnish psyche, and guides you through the working and social lives of the Finns today, offering you a deeper, more rewarding experience of this beautiful land. Front Cover 1 Title Page 2 About the Author 4 Contents 5 Map of Finland 8 Introduction 9 Key Facts 11 1. Land and People 14 • Geographical Overview 14 • Climate 19 • Wildlife 22 • Brief History 24 • Government and Politics 39 • Finland and Its Neighbors 41 • The Finns Today 43 • Cities in Finland 47 2. Values and Attitudes 60 • Sisu 60 • Proud to be Finnish 62 • Democracy 65 • Equality 67 • Honesty 69 • Community Spirit 70 • Personal Relationships 71 • Church and Religion 72 • Attitudes Toward Foreigners 74 3. Festivals, Customs, and Traditions 76 • National Holidays 76 • Festivals 84 • Family Celebrations 87 4. Making Friends 92 • Hospitality 93 • Conversation and Culture 96 • Formality Versus Informality 98 • Alcohol and Entertainment 99 • Gifts 100 • Joining Clubs and Societies 101 5. The Finns at Home 104 • Quality of Life 104 • Living Conditions 106 • The Finnish Family 108 • Daily Life and Routines 111 • Food 112 • The Summerhouse (Mökki) 120 • Schools and Education 121 • Moving to or visiting Finland 126 6. Time Out 128 • Outdoor Activities and Nature 128 • Freedom to Roam: Everyman’s right (Jokamiehenoikeus) 131 • Sports 132 • Design and Shopping 136 • Banks and Cash Machines 138 • Eating Out 139 • Buying Alcohol and Drinking 141 • Nightlife 143 • Sex and the City 144 • Confrontation 145 • High Culture 145 • Popular Culture 147 7. Travel, Health, and Safety 150 • Driving 150 • Taxis 154 • Cycling 155 • Public Transport 156 • Where to Stay 160 • Health and Security 161 • Clothing 162 8. Business Briefing 164 • Getting Down to Business 164 • Office Style and Etiquette 165 • Communication Styles 168 • Presentations 171 • Teamwork 172 • Leadership and Decision Making 173 • Timing and Punctuality 174 • Meetings and Negotiations 175 • Contracts 176 • Handling Disagreements 176 • Women in Business 177 9. Communicating 180 • Language 180 • Silence 184 • Body Language 185 • Conversation 187 • Humor 190 • Written Communications 192 • Services 192 • Conclusion 194 Further Reading 197 Pictures Credit 198 Copyright 198 Index 199 Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.