Comparison of leadership and cultures in Finland and Russia

Abstract

The aim of my thesis was to find out similarities and differences in culture and leadership styles between Russia and Finland and how to avoid misunderstandings connected with cultural collisions. The research questions of this thesis sought to answer what kind of problems managers in tourism sphere in Russia and Finland can face due to culture and different leadership styles, and how to escape possible conflicts. The thesis consists of empirical and theoretical data. The theoretical data used in the theory part describes research about culture and leadership styles in Finland and Russia. The theoretical data was written according to the main theories created by Richard D. Lewis and GLOBE cross-cultural research program. Some information was taken from Russian articles and Finnish articles written in Russian and English languages. The results of the study display a variety of cultural similarities and differences between Russian and Finnish people. The interviewees illustrate the modern and open viewpoints of respondents, their willingness to accept new things about cultures and to cooperate despite the possible cultural collisions. The thesis is advantageous for those, who are thinking of working in the international teams with Russian or Finnish workers. Also, it will be helpful in terms of understanding the cultural behaviour and determine the way of communication to reach harmony.