Finnish management vs greek management

Résumé du document

We wanted to create our report on the difference of management between Japan and the United States but we were one of the last groups to choose our theme and it was already taken. So we took the last theme that was left: Europe. A lot of the European countries we wanted to study had already been taken by the other groups (such as France, Spain, and Germany), and we didn't want to study a country that had already been chosen by someone else for the presentation, because we did not want to repeat what another group had already said, or have someone repeat what we had said during our presentation. It would have been uninteresting for the class as well as for us. We decided first of all to study a Scandinavian country because they had not been chosen by other groups. We then decided on Finland because of Nokia. This company has one of the best management systems in the world, and we thought it would be interesting to see if it was due to the management style used in Finland. Besides, one of our group members is going to Finland for her Erasmus and she wanted to know a little more about this country. After having chosen Finland we decided to choose a country where the culture is completely different so we decided on the countries of southern Europe. We then decided on Greece for it is a county we don't hear a lot about. We thought it would be interesting to learn a little more on this country.

Extraits

[...] Their social relationships in business are built according to their social pattern of the caste and the family. They fear and respect the hierarchy and recognize its power as superior. That is why they have a higher power distance index. For instance, this trend can be observed through leadership. There are few middle management positions, like executive, that really have the power of their title. In fact, the boss the general manager does, decides, and control everything Finland = 38: low power distance index Unlike Greece, Finland tends to establish equality in its business relationships. [...]

[...] So we took the last theme that was left: Europe. A lot of the European countries we wanted to study had already taken by the other groups (such as France, Spain, Germany We didn't want to study a country that had already been chosen by someone else because for the presentation we did not want to repeat what on other group had already said or have someone repeat what we had said during our presentation; it would have been uninteresting for the class but also for us. [...]

[...] Steep hierarchy This hierarchy is clear and transparent; we know where we are in the company and what position we hold Management The contact between people is very important; the Greeks prefer using direct communication rather than indirect communication, like e-mail or letters. In Greece the relationship is a major part in decision-making. Of course the individual is the only one responsible for the decisions he will make, but the Greeks attach importance to the people who live around them, and take into consideration those that depend on him/her, so they may be influenced by the family, friends, or organizations. A discussion with some close relatives can develop opinions. [...]

[...] They are biased against ethnic groups and others religions. Concerning the relationship between men and women, and the place women hold in a business environment, the Greeks have to evolve a bit and make progresses: Machismo is still very present and strong in the Greek society. When they have to work together in a business context (for example if they have to create a team to perform a mission), we say that the role in the team is a relation-oriented role. [...]

[...] Then the main subject is tackled. The minutes of the meeting are not frequent Negotiations Commercial negotiations can be long. The Greeks enjoy bargaining and negotiating, and it is often exaggerated, even theatrical. The best thing to do is to try to do the same and absolutely not to want to accelerate the meeting, it is a big mistake. The partners of the Greek company have to pay attention on the oldest member of the group, which has a much respected opinion. [...]