Switzerland - Little Big Country Part 2

In the Part 1 of this article we talked about the Swiss Geography, Languages, the Economy and the Swiss People. Learn more in this 2nd Part about Swiss Business Etiquette and how to mingle with the Swiss People.

Matterhorn

Swiss Etiquette

The Swiss value cleanliness, honesty, hard work, and material possessions. Motto: "Unity, yes; Uniformity, no." They are very proud of their environment and have a long tradition of freedom. They value sobriety, thrift, tolerance, punctuality and a sense of responsibility. They are very proud of their neutrality and promotion of worldwide peace. The Swiss have a deep-rooted respect for saving and the material wealth it brings.

Meeting and Greeting

• Shake hands with everyone present -- men, women, and children -- at business or social meetings. Shake hands again when leaving.
• Handshakes are firm with eye contact.
• Allow the hosts to introduce you at parties.
• Use last names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your Swiss hosts or colleagues to use their first names. Academic and professional titles are used frequently.
• First names are reserved for very close friends and family.

Communication

The Swiss are a private people, so try to avoid asking personal questions until a good relationship has been established. What constitutes personal are areas such as occupation, age, marital status, religion, etc. The communication style can come across as quite sober; initially it is advisable to avoid jokes and engaging in any banter as this may be misconstrued.

Luzern

Corporate Culture

• The Swiss take punctuality for business and social meetings very seriously and expect that you will do likewise. Call with an explanation if you will be delayed.
• Business cards in English are acceptable. Hand your business card to the receptionist upon arrival for a meeting. Give a card to each person you meet subsequently.
• Generally, English is spoken in business with foreigners. Inquire beforehand to determine if an interpreter is needed.
• Business climate is very conservative. Meetings are generally impersonal, brisk, orderly, planned and task oriented.
• The Swiss tend to get right down to business after a few minutes of general discussion.
• Presentations and reports should be orderly, well-prepared, thorough and detailed.
• The Swiss are fair bargainers but not hagglers. Discussions are detailed, cautious, and often pessimistic. Decisions are made methodically.
• It is not acceptable to call a Swiss businessperson at home unless there is an emergency.

Lake Geneva

Dining and Entertainment

• In the German parts of Switzerland, beckon a waiter by saying Herr Ober, and a waitress by saying Fräulein. It is considered rude to wave your hand.
• Business luncheons are more common than business breakfasts.
• Business entertainment is almost always done in a restaurant.
• Spouses are generally included in business dinners.
• The host proposes the first toast. Don't drink until after the toast is proposed.
• Keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal -- not in your lap. However, keep your elbows off the table.
• Cut potatoes, soft foods and salads with a fork, not a knife.
• Use eating utensils at all times, including to eat fruit.
• Break bread with your hands if possible. Do not use a knife.
• Sample everything offered to you. Try to finish everything on your plate when dining in someone's home. It is impolite to leave food on your plate.
• When you are finished eating, place knife and fork side by side on the plate at the 5:25 position.
• LIt is considered impolite to ask for a tour of your hosts' home. If your hosts want to give a tour of their home, they will offer.

"En Guete"

Dress

• Appearance should always be clean and neat. The Swiss are known for conservative and neat attire.
• Overly casual or sloppy attire is not appreciated.
• For business meetings, men should wear suits and ties; women should wear suits or dresses.

Gifts

• Gifts are normally not exchanged at business meetings, but small gifts may be appropriate at the successful conclusion of negotiations.
• Be prepared to give a gift in case you are given one. A gift with your company logo is acceptable.
• Give books, desk attire, whisky, cognac, good bourbon, or wine. Do not give anything sharp.
• When invited to someone's home, always bring a small gift for the hostess and a small gift for children.
• Give candy (good quality), pralines, flowers (unwrap before presenting, odd number), pastries.
• Do not bring large or expensive gifts. This is considered vulgar and makes receiver uncomfortable.
• Don't give red roses or carnations (these imply romance). White chrysanthemums and white asters are for funerals only.
• It is polite to send flowers to the hostess before a large party or the next day with a thank you note.

Swiss Knife - Made the Swiss Army what it is today :-)

Helpful Hints

• Be punctual (punctual in Switzerland is 10 minutes early!).
• Show great respect for elderly.
• Don’t litter (you will be scolded publicly).
• Don’t chew gum or clean your fingernails in public.
• Refrain from putting your hands in your pockets while talking with people.
• Never put your feet on a desk, chair or table.

Especially for Women

• More women are becoming more and more involved in business and public life in Switzerland, though the banking and finance industries continue to be dominated by men.
• Foreign businesswomen will be treated fairly and with respect in Switzerland.
• Many Swiss businessmen would be embarrassed if a foreign businesswoman invited them to dinner. Swiss men are very conservative and still expect to pay for a meal. If possible, a foreign businesswoman should invite a Swiss businessman to lunch rather than dinner.

Any questions?

We at ASO Terra Lingua provide Cross-Cultural and Language Training to prepare you and your employees to do business in Switzerland. Contact: info@asoterralingua.com  for more information.