Relationship Between Iceland And Canada
Iceland is an island with a population of 350, 710 situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. The Icelandic people pride themselves on their self-sufficiency and independence. This country has a low crime rate, low unemployment, and is outstanding in gender equality. Consistently ranked in the top ten of “happiest” countries, Iceland provides health care, maternity/paternity leave, and daycare to its residents. Iceland and Canada have shared a long-standing relationship. Many Icelanders have immigrated to Canada and no other foreign country has more descendants of Iceland than Canada. Gimli, Manitoba alone has over 30,000 residents with Icelandic heritage. In May 2001 Iceland opened an embassy in Ottawa and in November that same year Canada
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opened its embassy in Reykjavik, further solidifying an already strong bond between the two countries.
The business culture in Iceland is similar to the traditional western style of business.
English is considered the standard language of business; however, other languages spoken are Skandinaiska, Danish and, Icelandic. Making appointments in advance and punctuality is extremely important. It is advisable to arrive early for the appointment, and if you are running late call and advise your host you will not be arriving on time. It is important to remember Icelanders use the 24-hour clock. Shake hands, both at the beginning and end of the meeting with all the attendees and maintain good eye contact. During the initial meeting business cards are exchanged. Icelandic women are highly regarded educated professionals with many of these female professionals holding high managerial positions. Nearly half of board members in listed companies are women. Icelanders are an egalitarian culture and it is acceptable for subordinates to directly address a superior and offer opinions. The Icelandic people are direct and assertive in their manner; and, this is not considered to be rude. Honesty is expected so do not make promises you are unable to …show more content…
keep.
It is common to have business dinners in Iceland, and they should be looked upon as an opportunity to expand and further solidify the business relationship. Discussing business at dinner is appropriate unless spouses are attending the event. Business dinners can take place in restaurants; however, it isn’t uncommon to be invited to a private home. Dining is continental style, similar to Nordic and European culture, with the knife held in the right hand and the fork held in the right. Keep hands visible with wrists resting on the table. The food is served in a more relaxed family style. This may seem informal but proper manners are expected. Finish all the food on your plate, and if the food is served from shared dishes do not take the last serving unless you ask and are granted permission. Keep in mind, there is no need to add a gratuity because it is included in the final restaurant bill. When attending a function in a private home it is appropriate to bring a gift. A small souvenir from your country, or a bottle of wine, is acceptable. It is also common to remove your shoes when entering a home. Icelanders are quite stylish, and personal appearance is important to them. If you are unsure of the proper attire for the occasion, it would be best to ask a company representative. Generally, the standard business suit with a tie for men and a skirt and blouse or dress for women is appropriate.
Many Icelandic people do not have surnames - their names are a patronymic. They are addressed by their given name followed by their father’s Christian name ending with either “son” or “dottir” (daughter). Women do not take their husband’s patronymic. Telephone directories list alphabetically by first names. As a result, it is not considered to be overly familiar to greet a business counterpart by their first name. It is also acceptable to use Mr. or Mrs. in greeting a professional, but Icelandic people do not use titles themselves.
Iceland is a self-reliant nation with a relatively small population that prides itself on its independence. Icelanders would appear to be similar to people of other Nordic and Northern European countries; however, Iceland has a unique culture of its own. Canada and Iceland have had a long-standing relationship through business, immigration and trade. The relationship between Canada and Iceland will continue to grow and become stronger as both countries continue to work together.
The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country located in the Western Pacific Ocean.
Made up of an archipelago of more than 7000 islands, the Philippines has a population of over 100 million people. There is a strong Asian influence on the Filipino culture which dictates many of their traditions and customs. Relations between Canada and the Philippines are strong , and Canadian visitors to the Philippines are graciously received and treated with the utmost
respect.
Business management style in the Philippines is formal; however, the pace is more leisurely than what is typical in western culture. English is an accepted language of business communication. The business professional dress code in the Philippines is conservative. Business suits for both men and women are the typical attire. It is not unusual to make appointments a month in advance, and a representative from your company is expected to call and confirm the date and time of the meeting a few days in advance. Any materials that are pertinent to the upcoming meeting should be sent to the appropriate business contacts. Punctuality is important; however, it is common for meetings to begin late. In the Philippines there isn’t a gender bias and women in business are considered to be extremely competent professionals and hold 46.58% of senior management positions. If your company has had a long-standing business relationship with a Filipino company but you are meeting with the representatives for the first time you are considered a newcomer. At the beginning of your initial meeting it is typical in Asian culture to present your business card face up in both hands. This may not be reciprocated if you are considered to be lower in rank to the person you are meeting. Negotiations do not move quickly because in the Filipino culture it is considered rude to contradict another. Their manner is extremely non-confrontational, and negativity is frowned upon. They want to avoid embarrassment at all cost. This can be misleading because negotiations will appear to be going well even when it may not be the case. Requests for detailed information or contracts are clear signals the meeting has been successful. When a contract has been signed, it is customary to exchange gifts.
Gift giving is an important aspect of the Filipino culture. At the completion of a business deal it is an accepted practice to present a gift. Keep in mind, that the gift should not be so extravagant it could be considered a bribe. Dinner at a fine restaurant, a bottle of whiskey for a man, perfume for a woman, or an elegant pen are good gift choices. Unlike other Asian cultures, the colour of wrapping paper doesn’t have strong significance. Gifts at Christmas are expected, and small gifts should be given to everyone who works for you and the people you depend on throughout the year. If you are attending a function at a business colleague’s home, it is customary to bring a gift or to have it sent in advance of your arrival. It is advisable not to bring alcohol or heavy, rich food, as this could imply the hospitality is not up to par. Instead, flowers, candy, and chocolate are better choices. Send a thank-you note after attending an event. Remember, when you receive a gift the Asian custom is to open the gift in private not in front of the person from whom you have received the gift.
It is common to have business lunches or dinners; breakfast meetings are typically not done in the Philippines. The usual eating utensils are a fork and spoon. Hold the fork in the left hand and use it to place the food on the spoon in the right hand. When the business function is held at a restaurant it is customary to wait to eat until the oldest man at the table is served and begins eating. If you are a guest of honor, you will be expected to make a toast, typically to the health of all those present and to the prosperity of the business. The most honored position is the head of the table with the honored guest seated to the right of the host. It is polite in the Philippines to refuse another serving of food twice before accepting the third offer. If you really don’t want any more leave a small amount of food on your plate. Do not fill your own glass, it is the custom to fill your neighbor’s glass and for them to fill yours but only when the glass is less than half full. It is typical for the person who arranged the dinner meeting to pay for the meal, but the guest should offer to pay. In order to avoid having the bill come to the table make arrangements to pay in advance. The acceptable gratuity for the waitstaff is in the range of 10% to 15%.
The Philippines is a country steeped in culture and long-standing traditions; however, the Filipino style of conducting business varies greatly from the Canadian style. People in the Philippines are reserved but cordial and visitors from Canada are typically received in a warm, welcoming manner. During your visit to the Philippines you can expect to be treated with respect and kindness.
opened its embassy in Reykjavik, further solidifying an already strong bond between the two countries.
The business culture in Iceland is similar to the traditional western style of business.
English is considered the standard language of business; however, other languages spoken are Skandinaiska, Danish and, Icelandic. Making appointments in advance and punctuality is extremely important. It is advisable to arrive early for the appointment, and if you are running late call and advise your host you will not be arriving on time. It is important to remember Icelanders use the 24-hour clock. Shake hands, both at the beginning and end of the meeting with all the attendees and maintain good eye contact. During the initial meeting business cards are exchanged. Icelandic women are highly regarded educated professionals with many of these female professionals holding high managerial positions. Nearly half of board members in listed companies are women. Icelanders are an egalitarian culture and it is acceptable for subordinates to directly address a superior and offer opinions. The Icelandic people are direct and assertive in their manner; and, this is not considered to be rude. Honesty is expected so do not make promises you are unable to …show more content…
keep.
It is common to have business dinners in Iceland, and they should be looked upon as an opportunity to expand and further solidify the business relationship. Discussing business at dinner is appropriate unless spouses are attending the event. Business dinners can take place in restaurants; however, it isn’t uncommon to be invited to a private home. Dining is continental style, similar to Nordic and European culture, with the knife held in the right hand and the fork held in the right. Keep hands visible with wrists resting on the table. The food is served in a more relaxed family style. This may seem informal but proper manners are expected. Finish all the food on your plate, and if the food is served from shared dishes do not take the last serving unless you ask and are granted permission. Keep in mind, there is no need to add a gratuity because it is included in the final restaurant bill. When attending a function in a private home it is appropriate to bring a gift. A small souvenir from your country, or a bottle of wine, is acceptable. It is also common to remove your shoes when entering a home. Icelanders are quite stylish, and personal appearance is important to them. If you are unsure of the proper attire for the occasion, it would be best to ask a company representative. Generally, the standard business suit with a tie for men and a skirt and blouse or dress for women is appropriate.
Many Icelandic people do not have surnames - their names are a patronymic. They are addressed by their given name followed by their father’s Christian name ending with either “son” or “dottir” (daughter). Women do not take their husband’s patronymic. Telephone directories list alphabetically by first names. As a result, it is not considered to be overly familiar to greet a business counterpart by their first name. It is also acceptable to use Mr. or Mrs. in greeting a professional, but Icelandic people do not use titles themselves.
Iceland is a self-reliant nation with a relatively small population that prides itself on its independence. Icelanders would appear to be similar to people of other Nordic and Northern European countries; however, Iceland has a unique culture of its own. Canada and Iceland have had a long-standing relationship through business, immigration and trade. The relationship between Canada and Iceland will continue to grow and become stronger as both countries continue to work together.
The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country located in the Western Pacific Ocean.
Made up of an archipelago of more than 7000 islands, the Philippines has a population of over 100 million people. There is a strong Asian influence on the Filipino culture which dictates many of their traditions and customs. Relations between Canada and the Philippines are strong , and Canadian visitors to the Philippines are graciously received and treated with the utmost
respect.
Business management style in the Philippines is formal; however, the pace is more leisurely than what is typical in western culture. English is an accepted language of business communication. The business professional dress code in the Philippines is conservative. Business suits for both men and women are the typical attire. It is not unusual to make appointments a month in advance, and a representative from your company is expected to call and confirm the date and time of the meeting a few days in advance. Any materials that are pertinent to the upcoming meeting should be sent to the appropriate business contacts. Punctuality is important; however, it is common for meetings to begin late. In the Philippines there isn’t a gender bias and women in business are considered to be extremely competent professionals and hold 46.58% of senior management positions. If your company has had a long-standing business relationship with a Filipino company but you are meeting with the representatives for the first time you are considered a newcomer. At the beginning of your initial meeting it is typical in Asian culture to present your business card face up in both hands. This may not be reciprocated if you are considered to be lower in rank to the person you are meeting. Negotiations do not move quickly because in the Filipino culture it is considered rude to contradict another. Their manner is extremely non-confrontational, and negativity is frowned upon. They want to avoid embarrassment at all cost. This can be misleading because negotiations will appear to be going well even when it may not be the case. Requests for detailed information or contracts are clear signals the meeting has been successful. When a contract has been signed, it is customary to exchange gifts.
Gift giving is an important aspect of the Filipino culture. At the completion of a business deal it is an accepted practice to present a gift. Keep in mind, that the gift should not be so extravagant it could be considered a bribe. Dinner at a fine restaurant, a bottle of whiskey for a man, perfume for a woman, or an elegant pen are good gift choices. Unlike other Asian cultures, the colour of wrapping paper doesn’t have strong significance. Gifts at Christmas are expected, and small gifts should be given to everyone who works for you and the people you depend on throughout the year. If you are attending a function at a business colleague’s home, it is customary to bring a gift or to have it sent in advance of your arrival. It is advisable not to bring alcohol or heavy, rich food, as this could imply the hospitality is not up to par. Instead, flowers, candy, and chocolate are better choices. Send a thank-you note after attending an event. Remember, when you receive a gift the Asian custom is to open the gift in private not in front of the person from whom you have received the gift.
It is common to have business lunches or dinners; breakfast meetings are typically not done in the Philippines. The usual eating utensils are a fork and spoon. Hold the fork in the left hand and use it to place the food on the spoon in the right hand. When the business function is held at a restaurant it is customary to wait to eat until the oldest man at the table is served and begins eating. If you are a guest of honor, you will be expected to make a toast, typically to the health of all those present and to the prosperity of the business. The most honored position is the head of the table with the honored guest seated to the right of the host. It is polite in the Philippines to refuse another serving of food twice before accepting the third offer. If you really don’t want any more leave a small amount of food on your plate. Do not fill your own glass, it is the custom to fill your neighbor’s glass and for them to fill yours but only when the glass is less than half full. It is typical for the person who arranged the dinner meeting to pay for the meal, but the guest should offer to pay. In order to avoid having the bill come to the table make arrangements to pay in advance. The acceptable gratuity for the waitstaff is in the range of 10% to 15%.
The Philippines is a country steeped in culture and long-standing traditions; however, the Filipino style of conducting business varies greatly from the Canadian style. People in the Philippines are reserved but cordial and visitors from Canada are typically received in a warm, welcoming manner. During your visit to the Philippines you can expect to be treated with respect and kindness.