Doing Business in Ecuador and Finland: A Cross-Cultural Comparison by Lassi Pensikkala
Ecuador and Finland are two countries with very different cultures, and this can impact business practices in a number of ways. As an international business expert from Finland living in Ecuador, I have had the opportunity to experience firsthand the cultural differences between these two countries, and I have learned some valuable lessons about how to do business successfully in both places.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when doing business in Ecuador is that the communication style is very different from the communication style in Finland. Ecuadorians are generally more expressive and emotional in their communication style, while Finns tend to be more reserved and direct. It is important to be respectful of these cultural differences and to adjust your communication style accordingly.
Another important difference is the decision-making process. Decision-making in Ecuador is often more hierarchical and centralized than in Finland. This means that it may take longer to get things done in Ecuador, as decisions need to be approved at multiple levels. It is important to be patient and to understand the local decision-making process.
Negotiation style is another important cultural difference. Ecuadorians generally prefer a more relationship-based negotiation style, while Finns tend to have a more transactional negotiation style. This means that it is important to build personal relationships with your negotiating partners in Ecuador and to be prepared to negotiate on price and other terms.
In terms of work ethic, Ecuadorians are generally hard workers who are willing to put in long hours. Finns, on the other hand, tend to have a more balanced work-life ethic. It is important to be respectful of the local work ethic and to avoid putting your employees under too much pressure.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the different business etiquette in Ecuador and Finland. Ecuadorians generally place a high value on respect and communication in business settings, while Finns tend to have a more casual but formal business culture. It is important to dress appropriately to use polite language in Ecuador, and to be more direct and to the point in Finland.
Overall, there are a number of important cultural differences between Ecuador and Finland that business people should be aware of. By being respectful of cultural differences, being flexible and adaptable, building personal relationships, being patient, and getting professional help when needed, business people can increase their chances of success in both countries.
Lassi Pensikkala
International Business Expert
Ecuador
News writer Lassi Pensikkala: “I help you to follow the industry trends. As a content creator, my job is to collect important data with high value, and with human touch for my readers, and to bring it all to one place. I select for you interesting, relevant, and valuable Business Success, and Business Psychology related articles to read from the international and trusted press.”
Lassi Pensikkala, an International Business Expert and Entrepreneur, has studied Economics, Psychology, and Sociology at the University of Hamburg, and graduated with a Master of Science in Economics MSc(Econ). He is multilingual, speaking English, Spanish, German, Swedish, and Finnish, and is the founder of AmerExperience.com: “I keep my readers up to date with news that interests them. This article is worth reading – I recommend it to you.”
