Welcome to Basel Switzerland
Newcomers Support Programme
Cultural Awareness
Objectives of the day:
Share experiences on how to cope with cultural challenges
Have a feeling for Swiss behaviors in certain situations
Have a better understanding of “Swissness”
Build awareness on the respect of Swiss values
Confidence in starting to make the best of the new environment … and have fun
Debrief of Session 1
In the house
Intro to neighbours
In the street
In shops or public places
Anecdotes
Safety for Learning
“
Stereotype
No judgement “
Swiss / Non-Swiss - Exercise
Punctual
Don’t recycle
Respect the law
Use arrogant language
Consider worst-case scenario
Intercultural Preferences
Debriefing
No personal results
Swiss scores
Time Management
Single-focused 0-50
Time is valuable
One task after the other
Deadlines are kept
Multi-focused 50-100
Time is used flexibly
Deadlines can be postponed
Time Management
Swiss score 25
Time is structured (agenda in meetings, punctuality)
Communication
Direct 0-50
Criticism expressed openly
Conflicts addressed directly
Indirect 50-100
«No» is rarely formulated
Messages often hidden between the lines
Communication
Swiss score 50
The Swiss person would communicate rather directly but with empathy and respect.
Dealing with Uncertainty
Low uncertainty avoidance 0-50
Changes are taken as a challenge
Surprises are welcome
High uncertainty avoidance 50-100
High need for safety
Rules are essential
Dealing with Uncertainty
Swiss score 80
The Swiss person prefers stability
Pragmatic vs Analytic
Pragmatic 0-50
Focus is on the essential
Efficiency is paramount
Analytic 50-100
Detail oriented
Exact analysis of problem
Pragmatic vs Analytic
Swiss score 82
The Swiss in general like to plan first and act after
Perception of Hierarchy
Low level 0-50
Knowledge is more important than rank Delegating is common
High level 50-100
Decisions are made by superiors and not questioned
Regular reporting to supervisors
Perception or Hierarchy
Swiss score 40
The Swiss generally respect hierarchy but take responsability for their own decisions.
Task oriented vs Relationship oriented
Task oriented 0-50
Purely focus on work
Weight on professional competence
Relationship oriented 50-100
High value on personal connections
Family-like structure
Task oriented vs Relationship oriented
Swiss score 60
For the Swiss the human aspect has an important place in the company.
Intuitive vs Rational
Intuitive 0-50
Gut feelings lead decision making
Priority on feelings
Rational 50-100
Tendency to weigh information carefully
Data, facts and logic aspects are basis for decisions
Intuitive vs Rational
Swiss score 80
The average Swiss person relates to figures and facts, and would have trouble accepting a decision made on feelings
Conclusion
How do you feel about your result?
What will you need to think about?
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