Top Tips on Switzerland

Top Tips on Switzerland

Tip 1
Decentralisation and the need to consult widely are central to both political life and business life in Switzerland.

Tip 2
Individuals are expected to display high levels of diligence and technical competence in their approach to their jobs.

Tip 3
Swiss companies tend to be decentralised with high levels of autonomy being given to each business unit.

Tip 4
The Swiss desire clearly definable systems, which help people to understand both their personal roles within an organisation and their relationship with that organisation.

Tip 5
People have tended to remain fairly loyal to one organisation with little evidence of employee mobility or churn. This chimes with the Swiss desire for order and conformity.

Tip 6
As a whole, the Swiss are uncomfortable with change which needs to be introduced slowly and explained fully.

Tip 7
Contrary to the stereotype, Swiss companies tend to be less hierarchically structured than comparable organisations in countries such as Germany or France.

Tip 8
It is important to be unpretentious in Switzerland. Don’t let people think that you think you are somebody important. Reserve and objectivity are valued highly.

Tip 9
It is important to be seen as being technically proficient and to be able to demonstrate this proficiency. Being a jack of all trades in Switzerland is not a virtue.

Tip 10
Although key decisions are made at the top, senior management will actively seek the approval of other levels of the organisation – knowing this to be imperative for successful implementation of new ideas.

Tip 11
Meetings tend to be formal, even stiff from some viewpoints. Agendas are produced and followed methodically.

Tip 12
Punctuality is of critical importance. Do not be late for meetings, it reflects poorly on your professionalism.

Tip 13
In meetings, speak about those areas which are pertinent to your functional expertise – don’t wander into areas which are grey to you.

Tip 14
People are expected to be well prepared for meetings. Do not turn up and hope to be able to get by. Lack of pre-planning can reflect badly on you.

Tip 15
Direct communication is expected and respected. Plain speaking is essential if the correct answer is to be found.

Tip 16
Direct communication should not be confused with rudeness or aggression. Confrontation and direct debate are different beasts.

Tip 17
Teams consist of a group of individuals who expect to be allocated tasks and then left alone to get on with them.

Tip 18
The Swiss tend to be multi-lingual and are often at ease in meetings in three or four languages.

Tip 19
Business and private are not interchangeable. Meetings rarely begin with personal small talk and it can take time to create a close relationship with key Swiss contacts.

Tip 20
Food is important, so it is not always a good idea to talk business at mealtimes – be guided by your hosts on this.

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 Switzerland only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.