Culture of Iceland
Culture of Iceland
1. Physical or spatial distances * 1.2 m between two people while talking is appropriate.
2. Greeting protocol * An Icelander is called by his first name, because his or her surname is made up of his or her father 's Christian name plus son (son) or dóttir (daughter). You may address men and women as Fru (Mrs.) and Herra (Mr.). * Common greetings include gódan daginn (good day), gott kvöld (good evening), and bless (goodbye). * Icelanders customarily shake hands when greeting and taking leave of each other. A handshake is also the normal form of greeting when meeting a business counterpart in Iceland. Handshaking should be generous. Do not place a hand into the pocket. * At a friend 's home or general social occasions, strangers can take the initiative to introduce themselves to each other.
3. Gift giving * If invited into someone 's home, it is customary to bring a gift or flowers and a card. * Although Icelanders have operated domestic wineries for more than 1,000 years, they always appreciate a bottle of foreign wine. Exotic and unique gifts will be more popular. Knives should be avoided, as they represent the severing of ties. * Do not refuse rebate gift.
4. Attitude toward timeliness * Individuals in Iceland place great value on punctuality and for this reason it is strongly advised that you contact your respective meeting host if you are likely to be late. * Always arrive in advance of the start time so as to be able to participate at the agreed start time. * Unpunctuality is considered as the lack of credibility. Procrastination must be avoiding. * You should ensure that appointments are made in advance and that you state the intended meeting time using the 24-hour clock as to avoid potential misunderstandings. * Apologize to the owner and other people present if you are late.
5. Attitude toward relationship building * To Icelanders, building
1. Physical or spatial distances * 1.2 m between two people while talking is appropriate.
2. Greeting protocol * An Icelander is called by his first name, because his or her surname is made up of his or her father 's Christian name plus son (son) or dóttir (daughter). You may address men and women as Fru (Mrs.) and Herra (Mr.). * Common greetings include gódan daginn (good day), gott kvöld (good evening), and bless (goodbye). * Icelanders customarily shake hands when greeting and taking leave of each other. A handshake is also the normal form of greeting when meeting a business counterpart in Iceland. Handshaking should be generous. Do not place a hand into the pocket. * At a friend 's home or general social occasions, strangers can take the initiative to introduce themselves to each other.
3. Gift giving * If invited into someone 's home, it is customary to bring a gift or flowers and a card. * Although Icelanders have operated domestic wineries for more than 1,000 years, they always appreciate a bottle of foreign wine. Exotic and unique gifts will be more popular. Knives should be avoided, as they represent the severing of ties. * Do not refuse rebate gift.
4. Attitude toward timeliness * Individuals in Iceland place great value on punctuality and for this reason it is strongly advised that you contact your respective meeting host if you are likely to be late. * Always arrive in advance of the start time so as to be able to participate at the agreed start time. * Unpunctuality is considered as the lack of credibility. Procrastination must be avoiding. * You should ensure that appointments are made in advance and that you state the intended meeting time using the 24-hour clock as to avoid potential misunderstandings. * Apologize to the owner and other people present if you are late.
5. Attitude toward relationship building * To Icelanders, building
References: * http://www.worldtravelguide.net/iceland * http://www.iceland.is/the-big-picture/people-society/traditions/ * http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Germany-to-Jamaica/Icelanders.html * http://goscandinavia.about.com/od/icelan1/tp/10-Things-Not-To-Do-In-Iceland.htm * http://www.geckogo.com/Guide/Iceland/Dos-and-Donts/ * http://www.startupoverseas.co.uk/ * http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-iceland.html