1. Cross-cultural awareness : the key to a successful expatriation

• Taking stock of one's own cultural baggage
• Culture shock and the integration process
• Identifying and going beyond cultural stereotypes

2. Key aspects of Swiss culture

• An alpine confederation of Germanic and Latin cultures
• A tradition of neutrality
• A multilingual state and population
• The migratory factor
• A discreet but highly successful economy

3. Swiss values and behaviour patterns

• The impact of patriarchal traditions
• An intercultural geographical identity
• A strong attachment to personal origins and dialects
• Freedom and a respect for others
• Pride and self assurance
• Middle class and rural values

4. Practical day-to-day information in Switzerland

• Focus on the host town
• Transport, administration, housing, security, hygiene and healthcare
• Social life, leisure activities
• Schools, extracurricular activities, sport

1. The Swiss corporate world

• A harmonious corporate and business environment
• The predominance of inspection and quality criteria
• The role of the Swiss cantonal and federal authorities

2. Effective communication with the Swiss

• A respect for private life
• The vital role of politeness and etiquette
• Understanding unspoken communication
• Dealing with dialects

3. Working with Swiss teams

• Effective management: expertise, professionalism and discretion
• Promoting Unity Through Diversity
• Respect for autonomy and independence
• Consulting, listening and sharing
• Consensus and joint decision-making

4. Successful meetings and negotiations with the Swiss

• The quest for harmony
• Establishing your credibility
• Punctuality, discipline and precision
• Written contracts, their interpretation and implications

5. Final handy tips

• Caution, patience and humility
• Social standards, gifts, business cards, dress code
• Sensitive subjects: politics, history, religion
• Humour: a double-edged sword