1. Given that there is potential for the Swedes to work in the PHL, a. What cultural differences do you see that may cause friction in a working relationship and an office/factory environment?
There are many Swedish cultural practices that need to be taken into account when dealing with Swedes one of which is how they address one another in the work place. In the Swedish culture they do not use honorific like Mr or Mrs but rather address one another no matter what position that person is by his/her first name. In the Philippine culture, we always address those of higher position as Sir/Mam or Mr/Mrs which is perfectly normal and accepted by our culture but if we address the Swedes in such a way it might be interpreted as an insult to them.
Aside from this another difference would be that their work clothing is often conservative but casual. It is not unusual for them to wear sandals or tennis shoes at the office. This is different when it comes to the culture of the Philippines. For us wearing sandals or tennis shoes would be would count as disrespectful and out of place in the office.
Their way of addressing their superiors and their way of dressing are just a few cultural differences that need to be taken into account while conducting business with them. b. What Swedish cultural traits or work ethic do you feel should be adapted by Filipinos?
One positive cultural trait of the Swedish culture that Filipinos should adapt would be the compromise and consensus process. Förankringsprocessen or consensus process is where everyone voices their opinion and everyone listens to those opinions and from there any decision would be taken into account and a compromise in which everyone would benefit from that decision. The Swedish have a concept of lagom which mean just right or adequate. In accordance with decision making everybody gets something. They