Business Contexts

 

    The business world in Iceland is very different compared to other cultural norms. As I mentioned in one of my previous blogs to Icelanders, it is imperative in their culture that when someone comes to a work meeting that they are correctly greeted with a handshake and that the individual makes some eye contact with them and, if possible, handing out business cards within other business partners or people they may even know. In Icelander culture, it was fascinating how they view and perceive their business meeting in the most conclusive way but at the same time. They also try to make it enjoyable by interacting with one another and getting to know the person or the business partners they will be working with. In most cases, it is odd that people from Iceland invite their business associates or partners from other counties into their homes and continue their business plans and discussions. As I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, Icelanders are all about punctuality and highly dislike it when someone makes them wait or is not on time. These individuals see it as disrespectful and that they are wasting their time. Iceland Business states, "Business dinners are the preferred form of entertainment. It is considered appropriate to talk business over a meal, unless spouses are present. Icelanders enjoy dressing up and being social. There are no strict rules or formal dining customs that need to be observed. While Americans tend to dress up for work and dress down after work, the opposite is often the case in Iceland, although men in government, banking or business circles generally wear suits" (Iceland - Business Customs Iceland - business customs). 

    The appropriate initial conversations that one should have and the rules for personal and professional appearance are that Icelanders prefer in-person discussions with their businessmen or businesswomen. Icelanders are individuals who appreciate complete honesty when it comes. To discuss or negotiate any business proposals with possible future clients—Icelanders, as I mentioned, don't like wasting time, so that they will get right to the point. Also, in Icelandic culture, most business individuals still dress formally on casual occasions. Icelanders are also the type of individuals are taking their appearance very seriously and want to always look their best. I want to add that the weather and climate will depend on how they dress. For example, they wear warm clothing items with the proper footwear on cold winter days.

     Three potential communication challenges that American business associates can encounter in Iceland are that Icelanders are the type of people who are more talkative. They like to get to know the people who will be doing business with them. Most Americans would have a hard time because most of us, including myself, are not much of a talker as it is. Secondly, Americans shouldn't be sarcastic and shouldn't be careful about what they say around others because Icelanders are honest people who keep their word and what they say. If an American says something and doesn't keep their word, they will consider you dishonest. Thirdly, Icelanders are lovely people who like having conversations about almost anything. As Americans, we want to know a little more about their cultural and historical background, and one can ask them about anything. Don't mention "Scandinavian countries" because they don't like that, and you might not want to give the wrong impression or upset someone.  

References: 

Business meeting etiquette. Business Culture. (2018, August 31). Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://businessculture.org/indian-business-culture/business-meeting-etiquette-2/

 

Iceland - Business Customs Iceland - business customs. Iceland - Business Customs | Privacy Shield. (n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2023, from https://www.privacyshield.gov/article?id=Iceland-Business-Customs  

World Trade Center San Diego. (n.d.). Iceland. Retrieved April 2, 2023, from https://mbjprotocol.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/CE-Iceland.pdf