Comparision of chinese and finnish business cultures

Abstract

Culture is a key to explore the identify of a business. From cultural comparisons we can know more things in detail. It will give people more ideas and help to start business between two countries. Most of Chinese people like to do business with a country they are familiar with. In recent years, China began to deal with Finland in trade and business to establish cooperation between the two countries. To China Finland is a new country, so it is necessary to introduce the Finnish business culture to Chinese people to let them know more about Finland. Conversely, the Chinese business culture also needs to be introduced to Finnish people. In this way, both sides can know more about the other party. I will introduce some facts and figures about the two countries, and compare the Finnish and Chinese business cultures. The business culture comparison can be divided two parts. One part is the academic one, the other part is practical. The academic part includes the theory of business culture and facts and figures of the two countries. The practical part includes the research process, findings and conclusions.

I made my interview questions based on the theory part. In order to choose a good company for my practical part I listed some famous companies in Finland and in China. Finally I chose two business women who are working in big companies. They have both been working in business for a long time. In order to make the comparison, the interview question list should be same. It included questions about the working culture and value differences, management and leadership styles, communication style, and the equality between the sexes.

Following the interview part we can find out that the similarities and differences between the Chinese and Finnish business cultures. Differences of the findings include communication style, leadership status, management, meetings and negotiations, and equality between sexes. Similarities of the findings include punctuality, first contacts, addressing people, business dress, and introductions.

Business culture is an invaluable tool for many of entrepreneurs, seeking to develop lasting business relationships in China or in Finland. The business comparison provides a fast, easy way to become acquainted with business practices and protocol to help to be successful in China or in Finland.