Business Culture Switzerland

Motto: "Unity, yes; Uniformity, no

Switzerlands economy is based on a highly qualified labour force performing highly skilled work. The main areas include microtechnology, hitech, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, as well as banking and insurance know-how.

Most of the people working in Switzerland are employed by small and medium-sized enterprises, which play an extremely important role in the Swiss economy.

However, the age of unlimited economic growth in Switzerland is over. Fear of unemployment has been one of the main concerns of the Swiss for several years now. Swiss companies are extremely competitive in world markets. In some branches, more than 90% of goods and services are exported. The best-known export items are watches, chocolate and cheese, but in fact mechanical and electrical engineering and chemicals together account for over half Swiss export revenues.

Consultancy, insurance and tourism are also part of the export trade. Exports of goods and services alone amount to about 25,000 francs - 16,000 dollars - per head per year, according to the OSEC business network, which promotes Swiss foreign trade.

Swiss economic policy has always been based on free trade, with low import duties and virtually no import quotas - the only exception being for agricultural produce. Even here many of the restrictions are being eased as a result of recent agreements with the EU.

Switzerland has its own unique cultural traditions, which are a mixture of the cultures of Germany, Italy and France. The combination of cultural, linguistic, culinary, musical and literary influences from these three nations has led to the creation of a Swiss culture that is a synthesis of elements. Creative artists and designers such as the sculptor Alberto Giacometti and the architect Le Corbusier are from Switzerland Albert Einstein worked at the Swiss patent office while independently developing his Theory of Relativity.

Switzerland Local Government

Switzerland is characterized by its democratic life. The Swiss villages or cantons manage the affairs of each village and region. Town hall meetings and local elections are held where decisions are taken about a range of local issues including education, taxation, town planning.

General remarks in Switzerland bussines

Before going to Switzerland for bussines you have to know some helpful hints:

- Be punctual.

- Show great respect for elderly.

- Dont litter (you will be scolded publicly).

- Dont chew gum or clean your fingernails in public.

- Refrain from putting your hands in your pockets while talking with people.

- Never put your feet on a desk, chair or table.

Especially for Women

- More women are becoming more and more involved in business and public life in Switzerland, though the banking and finance industries continue to be dominated by men.

- Foreign business women will be treated fairly and professionally in Switzerland.

- Many Swiss businessmen would be embarrassed if a foreign business woman invited them to dinner. Swiss men are very conservative and still expect to pay for a meal. If possible, a foreign businesswoman should invite a Swiss businessman to lunch rather than dinner.

The Swiss may initially seem reserved and 'stand-offish.' Once you develop a rapport with them, however, you'll generally find that they are an honest, responsible people, who will be loyal to your interests.

Whether in social or business situations, the Swiss are polite conversationalists who prefer to assume an air of detachment. They are good listeners, perhaps because they tend to be so reticent themselves. They are extremely attentive, rarely interrupt, and will remember practically everything you say to them. Sometimes they will even go so far as to take notes while you speak.

The Swiss tend to be conservative in their opinions and do not change their minds easily but it would be wrong to think of them as needlessly stubborn.

The Swiss are a very private people, so you should avoid asking personal questions. For example, refrain from inquiries concerning their occupation, age, marital status, religion, and related matters. By the same token, your Swiss companions will not pry into your personal affairs in the course of a conversation.

The Swiss attribute their independence to their military preparedness, which includes universal military conscription. You should avoid mentioning this subject, as it stirs many passionate opinions and can lead to bitter arguments.

The Swiss can be rather earnest, so it is advisable to avoid making jokes until you are sure of your ground; it is only too easy for your gentle banter to be perceived as mockery.

German Swiss, in particular, say clearly what they think.

In conversation and debate, the French have a reputation for their rhetorical abilities and charismatic presence, yet these characteristics tend to be less apparent among the French Swiss.