and etiquette
ISBN 978-3-905252-12-5
Culture Smart! Switzerland reveals the human dimension of this enigmatic country. It provides a historical overview, explores Swiss values and attitudes, and looks at the cultural continuity of festivals and traditions. It will help you navigate your way through various aspects of Swiss life and society. There is advice on meeting people, on how to behave in different situations, and how to avoid making gaffes. It looks at the home life of the Siwss, describes what is important to them, how they work, relax, and how they perceive foreigners. And it offers crucial insights into Swiss business culture, and more generally on differences in communication style. All this will give you a starting point to discover for yourself the many hidden riches of this fascinating society.
This book will turn your visit whether on business or for pleasure into a memorable and enriching experience.
Illustrated, 168 pages, 11 x 17 cm About the author: Kendall Maycock is a Canadian author and journalist living in Zurich. After graduating in political science from the University of Calgary she worked for an independent newspaper in South Aftica where she met her Swiss husband. Her book Black Taxi: Shooting South Aftica documents her experiences there. She has contributed cultural essays to the Washington Times magazine (The World and I).
Table of contents:
Map of Switzerland
Introduction
Key Facts
Chapter 1: Land and People
Climate
Geographical Snapshot
Languages
A Brief History
Government
Foreign Policy
The Swiss People Today
Cities
Chapter 2: Values and Attitudes
Unity
Not Uniformity
Responsible Citizens
Social Control
A Self-Policing Society
Klartext (Clarity)
Transparency and Secrecy
Language and Identity
Work Ethic
Chapter 3: Customs and Traditions
Festivals and Celebrations
Remembering History
Public Holidays
Religious Landscape
Chapter 4: Making Friends
Distance and Small Talk
Greetings Kissing
Doing Dudsis
The Expatriate Community
Attitude Toward Foreigners
Invitations Home
The Apéro
Coffee Culture
Neighborly Behavior
Take the Opportunity
Chapter 5: The Swiss at Home
Heimatort
Living Space
The Laundry Room
Living Conditions
Education
Military Service
Daily Life
Shopping
Working Hours
Residence Permits for Foreigners
Visas
Chapter 6: Time Out
Clubs and Associations
Restaurants
Café Society
Retail Therapy
Banking Hours
Art, Music, and Popular Culture
Outdoor Pursuits
Chapter 7: Traveling
Where to Stay
Ski Resorts
Driving
Trains
Health
Chapter 8: Business Briefing
The Swiss Economy
Labor Relations
Presentation and Listening Styles
Etiquette and Protocol
Negotiating Style
Teamwork
Decision Making
Promise and Fulfillment
Management Style
Differences Between Germans and Swiss
Women in the Workplace
Chapter 9: Communicating
Face-to-face
Television, Radio, and Electronic Media
Newspapers and Magazines
Services
Conclusion
Appendix 1: Ski Resorts
Appendix 2: Some Famous Swiss People
Further Reading
Index
Acknowledgment
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