Recognised internationally for its geopolitical neutrality, Switzerland also takes a non-participatory approach to its domestic affairs.
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Switzerland Today
Through decentralised federalism, the individual cantons (small states) that make up the Swiss Confederation retain a large amount of autonomous power and direct decision-making by the citizens ensure a truly consensus-driven society. These cantons, which predate the unified Swiss state, were historically self-governing and language-specific. There is very little history common to all Swiss people prior to the mid-19th century. There is general agreement among the Swiss that they are held together by the cultural value ‘unity, not uniformity’. If your organisation is planning to conduct business with Switzerland, potential success depends upon a good understanding of Swiss culture.
Swiss Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Linguistic and Cultural Ties – Social communities in Switzerland are divided by language. Apart from Romansch, which is spoken by less than 1% of the population, Switzerland has no domestic spoken or written language of its own. This linguistic division creates more cultural commonalities between French-speaking Swiss and French nationals, for instance, than between Italian and German-speaking Swiss. However, each group shares an overarching political and social commitment to unity and nationalism.
Focus on Long-Term Relationships – Initial professional encounters in Switzerland are extremely formal. Only after a long-term business relationship is established will colleagues address one another on a first-name basis. Taking the time to get to know your Swiss counterparts will help ensure that your business interactions are effective.
Consensus – The Swiss place high value on consensus-building and group decision-making. Although final decision-making power ultimately rests at the top, the Swiss business structure stresses an egalitarian-style system of mutual respect and responsibility. Leaders encourage group participation and input in the decision-making process.
Punctuality and Orderliness – It is no coincidence that the Swiss are leaders in manufacturing precise time-keeping technology. Businesses are orderly and run with great precision. Efficiency is achieved through clearly defined systems and assigned responsibilities. Flexibility is not a highly regarded workplace value as improvisation is considered a sign of poor preparation and planning. Employees are expected to exhibit self-discipline and a high level of formality; there is very little humour or small-talk in the professional environment.
Doing Business in Switzerland
While Switzerland remains outside of the EU, it is highly receptive to globalisation and is home to the European headquarters of over 1,000 multinational companies and corporations. Switzerland has one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world and benefits from political stability, low unemployment, a transparent legal system and excellent infrastructure. In addition, the country has skilled and specialised labour force and exports high-quality goods. The Swiss economy is therefore one of the most competitive in the world. Strong humanitarian tradition and commitment to environmental conservation are notable elements of Swiss business and social culture and a thorough understanding of Swiss business culture and etiquette is essential to be competitive in this lucrative market.
Swiss Business Part 1 - Working in Switzerland: Swiss Working Practices
Swiss Hierarchy and Decision-making Practices
Swiss Working Relationships
Swiss Business Part 2 – Working in Switzerland: Business Practices in Switzerland
Swiss Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO dress formally and arrive at the designated time for appointments.
DO show emotional restraint and refrain from excessive enthusiasm. Speak quietly and focus on analytical facts.
DO provide written copies of your key points, presentation or speech for your Swiss counterparts in the local language.
DON’T attempt to break the ice with humour or personal anecdotes. Stay focused on the established goals for the meeting.
DON’T use high-pressure or aggressive sales tactics to reach a decision with your Swiss counterparts.
DON’T ask personal questions about your Swiss counterparts or discuss Swiss banks, money or Switzerland’s military role in World War I or II.
Swiss Culture Quiz – True or False
1. The Swiss are generally considered discourteous and inhospitable.
2. High level leaders in Swiss companies tend to deal directly with employees and value input from lower-ranked staff.
3. Business lunches tend to occur in informal restaurants or even workplace cafeterias.
4. The Swiss are linear thinkers and prefer to make professional decisions based on objective facts rather than emotional or subjective sentiments.
5. Red roses are an appropriate token to bring when invited to dine in a Swiss home.
Swiss Culture Quiz - Answers
1. False. The Swiss are regarded as friendly, courteous and hospitable although their formality when interacting with new acquaintances can be misinterpreted as disinterest.
2. True.
3. True. However, business dinners tend to be far more formal and often occur in expensive, high-quality restaurants.
4. True.
5. False. Red roses symbolise romance and are not appropriate tokens of gratitude.
Switzerland Today
Through decentralised federalism, the individual cantons (small states) that make up the Swiss Confederation retain a large amount of autonomous power and direct decision-making by the citizens ensure a truly consensus-driven society. These cantons, which predate the unified Swiss state, were historically self-governing and language-specific. There is very little history common to all Swiss people prior to the mid-19th century. There is general agreement among the Swiss that they are held together by the cultural value ‘unity, not uniformity’. If your organisation is planning to conduct business with Switzerland, potential success depends upon a good understanding of Swiss culture.
Swiss Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Linguistic and Cultural Ties – Social communities in Switzerland are divided by language. Apart from Romansch, which is spoken by less than 1% of the population, Switzerland has no domestic spoken or written language of its own. This linguistic division creates more cultural commonalities between French-speaking Swiss and French nationals, for instance, than between Italian and German-speaking Swiss. However, each group shares an overarching political and social commitment to unity and nationalism.
Focus on Long-Term Relationships – Initial professional encounters in Switzerland are extremely formal. Only after a long-term business relationship is established will colleagues address one another on a first-name basis. Taking the time to get to know your Swiss counterparts will help ensure that your business interactions are effective.
Consensus – The Swiss place high value on consensus-building and group decision-making. Although final decision-making power ultimately rests at the top, the Swiss business structure stresses an egalitarian-style system of mutual respect and responsibility. Leaders encourage group participation and input in the decision-making process.
Punctuality and Orderliness – It is no coincidence that the Swiss are leaders in manufacturing precise time-keeping technology. Businesses are orderly and run with great precision. Efficiency is achieved through clearly defined systems and assigned responsibilities. Flexibility is not a highly regarded workplace value as improvisation is considered a sign of poor preparation and planning. Employees are expected to exhibit self-discipline and a high level of formality; there is very little humour or small-talk in the professional environment.
Doing Business in Switzerland
While Switzerland remains outside of the EU, it is highly receptive to globalisation and is home to the European headquarters of over 1,000 multinational companies and corporations. Switzerland has one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world and benefits from political stability, low unemployment, a transparent legal system and excellent infrastructure. In addition, the country has skilled and specialised labour force and exports high-quality goods. The Swiss economy is therefore one of the most competitive in the world. Strong humanitarian tradition and commitment to environmental conservation are notable elements of Swiss business and social culture and a thorough understanding of Swiss business culture and etiquette is essential to be competitive in this lucrative market.
Swiss Business Part 1 - Working in Switzerland: Swiss Working Practices
Swiss Hierarchy and Decision-making Practices
Swiss Working Relationships
Swiss Business Part 2 – Working in Switzerland: Business Practices in Switzerland
Swiss Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO dress formally and arrive at the designated time for appointments.
DO show emotional restraint and refrain from excessive enthusiasm. Speak quietly and focus on analytical facts.
DO provide written copies of your key points, presentation or speech for your Swiss counterparts in the local language.
DON’T attempt to break the ice with humour or personal anecdotes. Stay focused on the established goals for the meeting.
DON’T use high-pressure or aggressive sales tactics to reach a decision with your Swiss counterparts.
DON’T ask personal questions about your Swiss counterparts or discuss Swiss banks, money or Switzerland’s military role in World War I or II.
Swiss Culture Quiz – True or False
1. The Swiss are generally considered discourteous and inhospitable.
2. High level leaders in Swiss companies tend to deal directly with employees and value input from lower-ranked staff.
3. Business lunches tend to occur in informal restaurants or even workplace cafeterias.
4. The Swiss are linear thinkers and prefer to make professional decisions based on objective facts rather than emotional or subjective sentiments.
5. Red roses are an appropriate token to bring when invited to dine in a Swiss home.
Swiss Culture Quiz - Answers
1. False. The Swiss are regarded as friendly, courteous and hospitable although their formality when interacting with new acquaintances can be misinterpreted as disinterest.
2. True.
3. True. However, business dinners tend to be far more formal and often occur in expensive, high-quality restaurants.
4. True.
5. False. Red roses symbolise romance and are not appropriate tokens of gratitude.