Top Tips on Sweden

Top Tips on Sweden

Tip 1
Egalitarianism is one of the driving characteristics of Swedes. This leads Swedes to be consensus-oriented in many situations.

Tip 2
Swedes expect to be allowed to perform their allotted tasks free from interference from others.

Tip 3
Business structures tend to be flat with good, open communication across the functions.

Tip 4
Managers are expected to include subordinates in the decision-making process. Buy-in is central to the Swedish approach.

Tip 5
Swedes tend to make good team players, realising the importance of open communication and the need for acceptance from other team members.

Tip 6
Due to the consensual nature of the Swedish approach, meetings can be lengthy and verbose.

Tip 7
Delegates are expected to arrive well-prepared for meetings. Agendas are often used and usually adhered to.

Tip 8
Decision taking can also be a lengthy process as the necessary debate and consensus process is gone through.

Tip 9
Punctuality is essential in Sweden. Lack of punctuality can undermine professional credibility.

Tip 10
Swedes put business before relationships and business relationships are based on respect for competence and diligence.

Tip 11
Women play a very active role in all aspects of business life and will often be found at the highest echelons of Swedish business

Tip 12
A strong separation is made between work and private life and private time is guarded zealously – especially in the all too few months of summer when life is for living.

Tip 13
There are high levels of English language competence in Sweden. Do not, however, confuse a high level with absolute fluency. There are still possibilities for misunderstanding and confusion.

Tip 14
Putting directness before diplomacy, Swedes can be seen as rude or aggressive by those cultures who value diplomacy highly.

Tip 15
Silence is valued and respected in Sweden. It is not always necessary to speak – especially if there is nothing much to be said. Do not confuse silence with a lack of interest or understanding.

Tip 16
Swedish body language is fairly muted in comparison with many other cultures. Swedish audiences can appear disinterested or aloof to those used to a more active use of body language.

Tip 17
Humour is not expected or particularly appreciated during the discussion of serious topics. There will be ample opportunity for humour after the serious business has been completed.

Tip 18
Swedes have a high sense of the importance of environmental issues and these topics are very often discussed.

Tip 19
For its population, Sweden has been remarkably successful in developing an international presence and Swedes feel that Sweden is a fairly important player on the world stage.

Tip 20
More emphasis is placed on the written than the spoken word. It is often not enough to phone someone – follow it up in writing.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Sweden only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.