Business Culture and Intercultural Communication in Bilateral Trade Relations: Italy and Finland

Abstract

The aim of the study was to introduce, research and understand the role and importance of business culture and intercultural dynamics when forming and developing bilateral trade relations. The purpose of the thesis was to provide answers to the following: What are the differences and similarities between the Finnish and Italian business cultures? What is the role and emphasis on understanding the business culture and intercultural communication in bilateral trade relations? Do the intercultural dynamics affect or enhance the international trade relations? The research methodology used in the study was a desk research based on secondary data. There was a wide amount of source material available on this topic, which was gathered mainly from the internet by reviewing different research material on the subject such as literature, e-books, articles, other academic studies, and online publications. The focus in the study was to concentrate on two authors’ views on business culture and intercultural communication: researcher and writer Richard Gesteland and Professor Geert Hofstede. The objective was to use their views as the base for the study. The research results show that as today the world is interconnected and businesses are mainly global and the target for the companies is to enter new markets, the emphasis on knowing and understanding different cultural environments, traits and habits is crucial in forming and developing successful international business relations. Effective and sensitive intercultural communication is essential for anyone working in global settings and across countries to avoid conflicts with clients or business partners and to create and develop stable, positive business relationships. Effective intercultural communication is a must and considered as a foundation for any successful international business relations.