Question

Describe how doing business in the country of Sweden differs from doing business in the US. Focus on business and social etiquette. For example, in Namibia, in business settings, men may greet each other with an "African handshake" while women typically don't. Men have a different style of greeting women and vice versa. There are also differences between city customs and rural customs. Some meeting participants could be late and while Namibians like to negotiate, they prefer an indirect communication style. [etc..] Socially, Namibians focus more on relationships... etc. Cite your sources Use your own words.

Answer 1

Answer: Both the countries, Sweden and US are a great place to start a business, however, there are several nuances that create some interspaces. Following are the differences that can be felt while working in both the countries:

1- First of all, there are hierarchical differences than can be strongly felt. The hierarchy in Sweden is mostly non-existent as there is generally an open business culture where the employees can speak their mind to the bosses as well as expect to take part in setting corporate structure, rules and behavior as an employee. However, in US, employees expect their bosses to set a framework for the company culture and present it to the team. Even in smaller firms, the culture of flat organization is not followed.

2- Swedish people follow the consensus process wherein there is a process for everything and everybody voices their opinions and everyone listens and the final decision is made in another few set of meetings. However, in US, it is totally upon the boss to make business decisions and the employees do what they are asked to do.

3- Thirdly, there is a sort of decision anxiety in Swedish business people which can irritate the US business people. However, Swedes do make decision as soon as everyone is involved in the decision making process. Though decision making may be a slow process, implementing decisions is often swift.

4- Swedish business people have a healthy work life balance. They work hard but not necessarily from their place of work. They have an option of working from home as well. Some of the companies moved to a six-hour working day in order to increase productivity and make the employees happier. However, work-life balance in US is awful and it follows a work only culture.

5- US provides the option of living large as compared to Sweden as Swedes contribute more to taxes as compared to Americans, thereby getting less discretionary income.

6- Swedes have a fair share of public holidays and they take as many days off in summer as Americans take in a year.

7- Americans are more friendly and extrovert as compared to Swedes who are “buttoned up” and strike very few casual conversations. US extroversion is more to be seen in the central part as compared to urban centers.