Business etiquettes in SWEDEN AND CANADA

1. Global human resource
management
Presented by : Vishakha
Choudhary

2. Business etiquettes in Sweden

3. Working practices
 The typical working week is from Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 16.00. Swedes generally
work 35 to 40 hours a week and take a minimum of five weeks paid holiday each year.
 Appointments should be scheduled in advance and confirmed a few days
beforehand. Avoid scheduling anything in July or December as these are popular holiday
months.
 Punctuality is taken very seriously in Sweden so it is important to arrive at the time
specified. Advanced warning with an explanation if you are running late or no longer able
to make it.

4.  Meeting and greeting
 Shake hands with everyone present -- men, women, and children -- at business and social
meetings. Shake hands again when leaving.
 Younger people generally do not shake hands when meeting friends. Older people expect a
handshake when being greeted or when leaving.
 If no one is available to introduce you, shake each person's hand and introduce yourself.
 Negotiating
 It is essential that you are cool and controlled during negotiations and that you do not demonstrate
any emotion as this will be perceived negatively.
 Additionally, always bear in mind that the egalitarian nature of Sweden means that decisions and
consensus are made across teams.
 Swedes are generally tough negotiators. They are methodical and detailed, slow to change their
positions and will push hard for concessions.

5. Business gift giving customs
 A business gift is appropriate as you are closing your business deal
 Liquor is extremely expensive in Sweden, a fine bottle of liquor or wine from
your country makes a good business gift.
 If you receive a gift from a business associate then reciprocate, but do not try to
go one better by purchasing as lavish gift, present them with a gift that is
comparable to the one you received.
 It is appropriate to send holiday cards to a business associate, especially to thank
them for their business in the previous year.

6. Business meetings
 Ensure that you give at least two weeks notice if you are arranging a meeting in Sweden.
 Swedes rarely engage in small talk at the start of a meeting. Instead, people will move directly to the topics
at hand.
 Meetings are typically governed by an agenda which is distributed to individuals prior to the meeting. There
is very little talk outside of the agenda topics.
 Although most meetings are managed by a particular person, all individuals are expected to contribute.
 Swedish business personnel are extremely detail focused and as such any presentations should be well
prepared with supporting, accurate and relevant data.
 Swedes rarely make decisions during initial meetings and as such, the first meeting that you have with your
hosts is likely to be fairly general and low key.
 Swedes are direct communicators and as such, "saying what you mean and meaning what you say" is both
practiced and expected.
 Awkward silences’ are rarely seen as awkward in Sweden and as such, swedes do not rush to fill
conversation silences.

7. Business women
 In Sweden, women make up 48% of the work force the highest percentage of
working women in the world.
 Foreign businesswomen are widely accepted and should encounter few problems
conducting business in Sweden.
 Businesswomen may pay the check in a restaurant without any embarrassment

8. Working relationships
 The flat structure and low levels of hierarchy in Swedish companies create a
relatively informal business culture. Managers tend to take a coaching role
 Decision-making in Swedish companies can occur at any level.
 People greet each other with a handshake and use first names in almost every
situation.
 Swedes take at least one or two coffee breaks during the day known as
‘fika’. This is an ideal opportunity to talk to your Swedish counterparts on a more
informal basis to get to know them.

9.  Corporate social responsibility
 Sweden is one of the world’s leading countries in corporate social responsibility (CSR).
 Issues such as climate change, gender, human rights and anti-corruption are all taken into account
when doing business.
 Since the 1970s Sweden has been active and fast in reacting to the calls for CSR which nowadays
is considered to be a crucial part of strategic planning in Swedish business life.
 Bribery and corruption
 Sweden is one of the least corrupt countries in the world and there is very strong public opinion
against all modes of corruption.

10. Non-verbal dynamics
 Gestures
 Swedes are generally restrained and do not use many hand gestures.
 The handshake is the common greeting when meeting and departing.
 Eye contact is important during the handshake and during conversation.
 Tossing the head backwards slightly means “come here.”
 Touching
 Traditionally swedes seldom embrace in public or put their arms around each others’
shoulders.
 Younger people now may kiss on the cheeks instead of shaking hands. Touching or
backslapping during conversation may make people uncomfortable.
 Space
 Swedes value personal space. Homes are generally uncluttered and have a feeling of
spaciousness. People generally stand at an arm’s length apart during conversation.

11. Follow up letter after meeting with client
 The minutes of the meeting will be circulated afterwards and all important tasks
and deadline dates should be stated there.
 The participants are expected to work independently and to then report their
accomplishments back to whoever is in charge.
 It is important, in order to maintain credibility, that items are followed up and
completed in the timescales agreed.

12. Dress code
 Business wear in Sweden is conservative.
 Men should wear good quality suits with silk ties and shirts.
 Women should wear conservative business dresses or a suit.
 Due to the egalitarian values of Sweden, it is strongly recommended that you do
not wear anything flashy. Even senior directors or executives do not dress any
more elaborately than average employees.

13. Food habits
 It is important that you do not discuss business at the table as swedes try to distinguish
between home and work.
 Spouses may be included in business dinners.
 Female guest of honor is seated to the right of the host. Male guest of honor is seated
to left of the hostess.
 Allow hosts and seniors in rank and age to toast first.
 When toasting, make eye contact and nod to the others present, before putting your
glass down.
 Call or write the next day to thank your host and hostess.
 Do not ask for a tour of your host's home unless you have a well established
relationship.

14. Language in Sweden
 Swedish is the official language of Sweden. Swedish is also spoken in other
countries including Finland, Norway and Estonia.
 The Swedes understand and speak English very well and children learn it from
third grade to secondary school. A second foreign language – such as German,
French or Swedish – is very often learned at schools, too.

15. Business etiquettes in Canada

16. Working practices
 Traditional working hours are 9:00 to 17.00 from Monday to Friday. However, longer hours are
not uncommon.
 It is essential to schedule business appointments in advance and confirm the meeting a few days
beforehand.
 Punctuality is demanded for business meetings and social occasions.
Meeting and Greeting
 A firm handshake is the usual contact when first meeting a business associate, although women
may acknowledge you with a nod. It should be accompanied by strong eye-contact.
 In informal settings, such as a party or bar, most young people will simply exchange greetings
such as "Hi!" or "How are you?“
 In Canada, a person's authority is related to his or her position and responsibility. Women occupy
the same range of positions as men and have the same kinds of authority.

17. Negotiation
 Businesspeople negotiating with Canadians should be well informed and
knowledgeable about the details of their proposals.
 Thoroughness is appreciated and directness is also valued. Evasive answers are
not viewed positively by Canadians.
 It is important for all businesspeople to avoid exaggerating the strengths of their
company or the benefits of their product.

18. Business Gift Giving Customs
 Business gift giving in Canada is not typically done between business associates,
even during the holidays. It is appropriate to send greeting cards during
the Christmas holidays, particularly as a thank you for the companies business
during the previous year.
Gifts to Avoid
 Red Roses, as they are associated with romantic love.
 White lilies or chrysanthemums, as they are associated with funerals.
 Do not give cash or money as a gift.

19. Business meetings
 If a conflict arises, you are expected to let your Canadian counterpart know immediately.
That said, Canadians are not as obsessed with time as Americans.
 Business cards are commonly exchanged in Canada.
 For Quebec, print your business cards in English or French, including your academic
degree(s) and/or title. A double-sided business card (one side in English, one side in
French) is best.
 Canadians get down to business quickly. Meetings are well-organized, and extraneous
discussion is kept to a minimum. A premium is placed on time.
 Business communication is quite direct in Canada. Letters and telephone calls should be
direct and succinct. Pleasantries are dispensed with very quickly.
 Business culture varies somewhat throughout Canada, depending on the region.
 Some Canadians may dislike the American "hard sell" approach.

20. Business Women
 Women have earned high regard in business and government in Canada.
 While some sexism and subtle barriers still exist, women are found in powerful
positions in all walks of life.
 Visiting female executives can expect to be taken seriously. Likewise, Canadian
women receive respect from their Canadian male colleagues, and will expect the
same from foreigners.

21. Working relationships in Canada
 Generally, co-workers of similar status address each other by their first names.
 When conversing with an older or significantly senior colleague, a professional
title and last name would be used.
 Canadians will look to establish solid working relationships with their
counterparts through a sense of equality and respect.
 It is vital to establish these relationships before successful business interactions
can take place.

22. Non verbal dynamics
 Eye-contact is important during business meetings in Canada. It will make them
feel more comfortable while talking when they can look you in the eyes.
 The usual distance between two people should be two feet. French Canadians,
however, tend to stand slightly closer.
 Note that you should not wear any scent (perfume, strong after-shaves or
hairsprays) at all! It can be a threat to people with asthma or allergies, which are
common with Canadians.
 You can point using your index finger, but be careful not to do it at other people,
as it is rude.
 Avoid using the "V" sign - it represents a serious offence.

23. Dress code
 Appropriate business attire usually depends on region and industry. People in
upper management tend to dress formally at all times.
 For Men: For a first meeting, a relatively conservative business suit is a good
idea. Blue, gray, or black with a white or blue shirt and matching tie.
 Many companies allow business casual dress, which is usually nice pants and a
collared shirt with or without a jacket.
 For Women: Dresses, pantsuits, or business suits are a good idea for a first
meeting. Limited accessories and best to avoid overly revealing clothing.
 Jeans and more casual attire are common in some industries.

24. Food habits
 Business lunches are usually short: with lighter types of food and no alcohol.
 Standard table manners apply in Canada.
 Be careful though not to start eating until everyone at the table has been served.
 If you are invited out for drinks by your Canadian counterpart, it is wise to attend
unless you have a very good reason for not being able to come. Refusals may be
considered as rude or insulting.

25. Language in Canada
 The 2 official languages in Canada are English and French, with English having
the vast majority of speakers at around 60%.
 Due to Canada’s historically welcoming attitude to immigrants, the overall
language mix spoken in the country is very diverse, with reasonable populations
speaking Chinese, Punjabi, Spanish, German, and Italian, amongst others.

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