FINLAND | Internship: At work | Negotiating & Conflict Situations
Corresponding to the Finnish cultural standards mentioned under the general information paragraph; The Finns are very business-like during negotiations. They are usually well prepared, are punctual and have planned a certain amount of time for the discussion. The Finns expect that wishes, criticism and viewpoints are clearly pointed out. They do not take this personally and react professionally with their own arguments. A negotiation is an exchange of arguments with the aim of finding a good and fair result from a professional point of view for both parties, a win-win situation. Showing emotions during the interview is not professional behaviour. An outbreak of emotion testifies (professional) inferiority. The "proven" better arguments count. This means that Finns are often well prepared and often incorporate expert opinions and statistics etc to underline their position.
Conflict Situations
Conflicts in the workplace are also discussed professionally.
This would be the course of events when an employee/trainee is unsatisfied with his/her boss or another member of staff:
- Request an appointment with the person who is directly concerned.
- Make sure the approach to the discussion is well prepared and directly presented; this refers to the point of conflict. Do not waffle on or show emotions; get straight to the point and justify your position with professional arguments or proof.
- Give the other person a chance to present their opinion. Interrupting the person whose “go” it is, is seen as unfair and impolite. Everyone is allowed to finish what they have to say.
- Constructive suggestions are then expected in the meeting so that a compromise can be negotiated.
- Avoid (personal) complaints / remain professional!