Business Culture of Finland & Malaysia

Cross Culture

What is a culture?

lens

Sense

Express

Why cultural differences?

Importance of Business Culture

Before we Begin…

• You are not expected to turn Finnish or Malaysian !!!

• Just keep in mind the ‘how’ and ‘why’ when doing business in Finland and Malaysia

Finnish and Malaysian Business Etiquette and Protocol

Finland

Finnish Culture & Society

Finland is an egalitarian society.

Finland along with Iceland is Nordic .

Finnish languages.

Finns are very modest, downplay personal interest.

1. Relationship & Communication

Finns are transactional.

Finns are excellent time managers.

Finns are interested in long- term relationships.

Finns do not require face-to- face contact to conduct business.

1. Relationship

& Communicatio

n cont…

Relationship building - outside the office

“A man's word is his bond“

Finns are direct communicators.

Never turn down an invitation to use the sauna.

2. Business Meeting Etiquette

2. Business Meeting Etiquette cont…

No place for humor

Finns seldom ask questions

Send an agenda and biographies before the meeting.

small talk

Hand Shake

Firm handshake

Direct eye contact

Smile

Repeat your name

Ladies first

3. Dress Etiquette

• Business attire is stylish and conservative.

• Dark suits in the winter and light suits in the summers.

• Dress accordingly

• Women wear the western dresses.

• Men generally wear suits leaving the tie out.

4. Business Card Etiquette

. Exchanged without formal ritual.

. Present your business card.

. Treat business card with respect.

5. Finnish Gift Giving Etiquette

Flowers, good quality chocolates or wine.

Valuable items are considered as embarrassment.

Flowers should not be given in even numbers.

Avoid white, yellow flowers or potted plants

Gifts are opened when received and appreciated.

6. Finnish Dining Etiquette

7. Table Manners

Wait to be told where to sit.

Table manners are Continental.

Always keep your hands visible.

Do not begin eating before invitation to start.

Bread and shrimp are the only foods eaten by hand.

Accept second helpings.

When passing salt and pepper shakers, put them on the table.

Finish everything on your plate.

Men should keep their jacket on at meals.

8. Negotiation Tricks

• Let’s make a deal !!!

•Individualistic working style.

•Bilingual business cards.

•Take lawyers for business contracts.

•Finns are open to new ideas.

•Present your case with facts and figures.

8. Negotiation Tricks cont…

• Let’s make a deal !!!

Use promotional material.

“Everything that is worth doing, is worth doing well”.

An agreement is considered final when signed.

Change in any policy is transparent.

Bargain = dishonor

Malaysia

1. Malaysian Culture & Society

A Multi-Cultural Society

Group Orientation

The Concept of Face

• 2. Business Meeting Etiquette

•Appointments are necessary.

•Observe protocol and decorum.

•Be punctual.

•Dress conservatively.

•When introduced, approach to a comfortable distance.

•Look at the client’s eye.

•Smile

3. Relationship & Communication

Businesspeople are culturally-savvy and internationally exposes

Initial greetings should be formal and denote proper respect

Introduce the most important person first

It is important to use professional titles

Hand Shake

Standard Handshake

Use both hands

Wait for a woman to offer her hand

Traditional Malay - Salaam

Malaysian Chinese – Bow

Traditional Indian - Slight bow with the palms of the hand together

4. Dress Etiquette

Suits are worn only during presentations and

formal meetings.

Women dresses are more flexible and

creative.

Batik attire is considered appropriate.

Usage of headscarves (tudung) is also common.

5. Business Card Etiquette

Business cards are exchanged after introductions.

If you will be meeting Chinese.

If you will be meeting government officials.

Use two hands or the right hand only.

Never write on someone's card in their presence.

6. Malaysian Gift Giving Etiquette

Bring the hostess pastries or good quality chocolates.

Never give alcohol.

Do not give toy dogs or pigs to children.

Do not give anything made of pigskin.

Avoid white and yellow wrapping paper.

If you give food, it must be “halal”

Offer gifts with the right hand only.

Gifts are generally not opened when received.

7. Table Manners

Arrive between 15-30 minutes ahead Bring an extra dish as a contribution

Drink only after you clean your plate Do not chew and talk at the same time

8. Negotiation Tricks

Subjective feelings

Establishing personal relationships

Losing your temper is a serious no-no

Hierarchical levels

Use of silence

Best approach is always friendly yet formal

Aatos Erkko

Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo

Fredrik Idestam

Antti Herlin

Harry Harkimo

Famous Finnish

Finland - famous brands

Robert Kuok Quek Leng ChanAnanda Krishnan Teh Hong Piow Lee Shin Cheng

Famous Malaysian

Recommendations

Understand local culture and religion

Attend all gathering

Form personal relationshipUnderstand govt rules

and regulations

Understand the geographic region

Thank YouKiitos

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