SwitzerlandBy: Faith Wilkerson

Map

Government Federal republic

State Capital ◦ Bern City

23 Kantone (States)

Currency

What it’s called What it looks like

The Swiss currency is called "Schweizerfranken“

One hundred "Rappen" make up one Swiss Franc.

This is a 5 Franken coin, called a "Fünfliber"

Shake hands with all present

Address each other by their surname.

Always address someone by their professional title.

When invited, use first names.

Meeting And GreetingAlways Start with the oldest person there.

The people of Switzerland are private people◦ No questions to

personal

Language ◦ German, French,

Italian and Romansch

German◦ "Herr“ (Gentleman)

"Frau" (woman)

“French◦ Monsieur" and

"Madame”

Italian- ◦ "Signore" and

"Signora".

Communications

Gift-giving is not a part of Swiss business culture,

if invited to dine in a colleague’s home, it is appropriate ◦ flowers or high

quality (Swiss!)chocolate.

Gift Giving

Dress Code Dress formally

Arrive at the designated time for appointments

Table Manners

Do’s and Don'ts RUDE

Nonverbal communication and proper posture is important in professional situations.

It is appropriate to cross legs knee-over-knee

Crossing legs ankle-over-knee or extending legs out while seated is considered rude.

Business cards are the same in Switzerland as they are in America.

Name, Company, Logo if any, Title, Address, and Phone number

Business

Overview

REMEMBER

Always address someone by their professional title.

Language ◦ German, French, Italian

and Romansch

Dress formally

Crossing legs ankle-over-knee or extending legs out while seated is considered rude.

Federal republic

http://www.about.ch/ Google (images) http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/do

ing-business-switzerland.html http://www.communicaid.com/access/pdf/lib

rary/culture/doing-business-in/Doing%20Business%20in%20Switzerland.pdf

References