October 24th, 2018 8:54 PM
IS FINNISH EDUCATIONAL SUPERIORITY DUE TO MORE TRUTH?
—“The U.S. and Finland both lean heavily towards the truth and directness, but what constitutes truth and directness varies greatly across cultures. Whereas Americans are comfortable taking liberty with the truth when it comes to marketing, selling and getting the business, to a Finn it can sound like lies. You see, the Finns believe that their words are their commitments. They establish their credibility by understating their abilities, and delivering what they promise. Period.
As Stuartâ??s examples illustrate, it is easy for people with the best of intentions to still be misunderstood — and even branded as liars. When we donâ??t know a personâ??s beliefs, values and biases, how can we be certain that what we heard was what they meant? However, one thing is certain; the more we understand how culture influences behavior in business dealings, the less inclined we are to assume weâ??re being deceived.”—