A COMPREHENSIVE CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISON

OF TWO COUNTRIES

A Comprehensive Paper
Presented to
Prof. Ronairah D. Dindang
MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY
General Santos City

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for MGT114

Krisha Jane B. Deles

October 24, 2024

 SWITZERLAND

(Source: Uk, A. (2024, March 18). A guide to languages spoken in Switzerland.

[Link]

Switzerland is a small mountainous country located in central Europe. Switzerland

was formed in 1291 as a union of three states and became an independent country
in 1815. This landlocked country is about the size of New Jersey and is between
France and Italy. It is also bordered by Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein.
Neighboring countries include Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Germany.
The geography of Switzerland is mostly mountains (Alps in the south, Jura in the
northwest) with a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes. The
government system is formally a confederation but similar in structure to a federal
republic; the president is the chief of state and head of government. Switzerland has
a modern market economy in which the prices of goods and services are determined
in a free price system. Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade
Association (EFTA).
BUSINESS CULTURE

(Source: Aurimas. (2020, September 2). Learn Everything About Switzerland

Business Culture. Go Look Explore. [Link]
culture/)

Work Ethics
It has four official Languages- Roman, French, German and Italian. Business culture
in Switzerland is very formal and conservative. Above all the Swiss appreciate
punctuality, frugality, responsibility, and tolerance. These cultural values are evident
in the way Swiss people approach business. The Swiss value work/life balance in
their business culture and generally frown upon contacting an employee or employer
outside of working hours. They also take punctuality for business and social
meetings very seriously and expect you to do likewise. It is best to be at least five to
ten minutes early for an appointment. Above all, you should call if you are going to
be late for an appointment and try to avoid rescheduling. Flexible working hours are
on the rise in Switzerland. Wear business attire in the office. Swiss business culture
emphasizes hierarchy and respect for authority.

Leadership Style
It is important to be reserved, objective and level headed. Technical knowledge and
academic qualifications are both highly respected. It is important in Switzerland for
the bulk of the people to feel involved in the process. Being pragmatic and
unpretentious are widely respected virtues in Switzerland and these are
characteristics which are expected from managers.
Communication Style
Direct and polite. Swiss communication is characterized by directness, but delivered
with politeness. Messages are clear and concise, avoiding ambiguity. Titles and
surnames are used when addressing colleagues, especially in initial interactions.

PRODUCTS
Swiss Watches
Swiss watches are highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
When you wear a Swiss watch, you are carrying hundreds of years of fine
watchmaking tradition on your wrist. Swiss watchmakers have long pursued
horological innovation and dedicated their careers to timekeeping excellence. Some
of the most famous Swiss watch brands include Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, and
Breitling, among many others. These brands are known for producing watches that
are not only accurate timekeepers but also works of art.

(Source: SwissLuxury. (n.d.). Rolex watches from SwissLuxury. SwissLuxury.

[Link]
Swiss chocolate
Swiss chocolate is known around the world for its high quality and smooth taste.
Toblerone is a popular Swiss chocolate brand that is known for its distinctive
triangular shape and honey and almond nougat filling. The brand was created in
1908 by Theodor Tobler and Emil Baumann in Bern, Switzerland. The name
“Toblerone” is a combination of Tobler’s name and “torrone,” which is an Italian

nougat.

(Source: Maja. (2024c, January 25). The Best Swiss Products: Craftsmanship at Its Finest.
Swiss Made Direct. [Link]
products/)

Cheese

Switzerland is home to some of the world’s best cheeses, including Gruyere,

Emmental, and Appenzeller. Swiss cheese is often made with raw milk and is aged
for several months, giving it a unique flavor and texture. Swiss cheese is perfect for a
cheeseboard, fondue, or simply eaten on its own, and therefore one of the best
Swiss products.

(Source: Appenzeller | Cheeses from Switzerland. (n.d.).

[Link]
Swiss Pocket Knives
Swiss pocket knives are known as the best Swiss products for their durability and
versatility. The most famous Swiss pocket knife brand is Victorinox, which has been
producing knives since 1884. Swiss pocket knives often feature a range of tools,
including blades, saws, screwdrivers, and scissors.

(Source: The Best Swiss Products: Craftsmanship at Its Finest. Swiss Made Direct.
[Link]
srsltid=AfmBOooY6e0ypWl6ki1OxSxQEzdy-
37Cv2w41RuUv_ghAoNk0yrAgxEm&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0SbDcc9iJ
GjoXJYiVJUGGLSewGUJsbXVlu93UABLuN8m2iYU7I47GebkE_aem_9eRmFm36w
VpggkPAqZh_hw)

Swiss Music Boxes

Swiss music boxes are also famous for being the best Swiss products because of
their beauty and intricate design. These music boxes often feature traditional Swiss
motifs, such as Alpine landscapes and chalets. Swiss music boxes are not just a
musical instrument but also a piece of art.
(Source: Alscher, U. (n.d.). [Link] > musicboxes.
[Link]
SERVICES
Tourism
Switzerland’s tourism is loved by all across the globe because of its pristine natural
beauty. Picture yourself surrounded by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Alps
and charming villages that dot the serene lakeshores – each moment, a stroke on a
canvas painted with breathtaking beauty. Switzerland stands tall as a global leader in
innovation and craftsmanship. Every meticulously crafted timepiece, every velvety
piece of chocolate, and every wheel of meticulously aged cheese reflect a reputation
that resonates worldwide, enhancing the allure of the country. Switzerland is a
tapestry intricately woven with the precision of Swiss watchmaking, the sweetness of
world-renowned chocolate, and the richness of artisanal cheese making. It's not
merely a destination; it's an immersive experience, a sensory adventure where
tradition and modernity come together in perfect harmony.

(Source: Switzerland Tourism: Packages & Detailed Official Info [2024]. (n.d.).
[Link]
Banks
The Swiss Bank Corporation was founded in 1854 as the Basler Bank-Verein (Basel
Bank Corporation) and became a joint-stock company in 1872. Swiss Bank
Corporation, former Swiss bank, one of the largest banks in Switzerland until its
merger with the Union Bank of Switzerland in 1998. By the 1990s the Union Bank of
Switzerland and the Swiss Bank Corporation had become respectively the first and
third largest banks in Switzerland, but increasing competition from American financial
institutions prompted the two banks to merge in 1998. The resulting bank, known as
UBS AG, became one of the largest banks in the world. The bank’s principal
activities include personal and corporate banking, investment banking, wealth
management, and asset management.

(Source: Beyeler, R. (2023, November 12). The Biggest Swiss Banks.

[Link]. [Link]
 NEW ZEALAND

(Source: Rhodes, M. (2016, March 24). The Votes Are in: New Zealand Will Keep Its
Old Flag. WIRED. [Link]

The first people to arrive in New Zealand were ancestors of the Māori. New
Zealand’s two islands are divided by Cook Strait. The North Island boasts volcanoes,
hot springs, mud pools, geysers, and beautiful beaches, while the South Island has
rugged Alpine mountains, glaciers, and access to activities like swimming with
dolphins and whale-watching. New Zealand, island country in the South Pacific
Ocean, the south westernmost part of Polynesia. New Zealand is a remote land—
one of the last sizable territories suitable for habitation to be populated and settled—
and lies more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Australia, its nearest
neighbor. The capital city is Wellington and the largest urban area Auckland; both
are located on the North Island. New Zealand is predominantly an English-speaking
country, though English, Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language are official
languages. The Māori language (te reo Māori) is taught at a number of schools.
Other non-English languages spoken by significant numbers of people are Samoan,
Hindi, and Mandarin Chinese.
BUSINESS CULTURE

(Source: Our NZ way of working. (2023, November 23). Live & Work New Zealand.
[Link]
working)

Work Ethics
The people in New Zealand are Casual and Approachable. Workplaces in New
Zealand are known for their informality. Titles are rarely used, and first names are
the norm, fostering a friendly and approachable atmosphere. This informality extends
to language, with slang and colloquialisms commonly used in everyday interactions.
For newcomers, this informality can be surprising, but it signifies a culture that values
teamwork and open communication, rather than strict hierarchies. Being punctual is
an important part of doing business with kiwis and it is important that you are
respectful of their time when you plan meetings.
Communication Style
Kiwis are fairly indirect communicators, in that they avoid confrontation as much as
possible. They may vaguely hint at their point without directly saying it, so as not to
create conflict. However, they generally speak honestly enough that their intended
meaning isn’t too cryptic.

New Zealand workplaces, a unique communication style that emphasizes

approachability, collaboration, and indirectness is cultivated. Silence is often used to
ponder or gather thoughts, rather than signifying discomfort. Maintaining eye contact
and nodding are essential for showing attentiveness. However, avoiding eye contact
during criticism can be a sign of respect for the other person's feelings, rather than
disinterest.

Leadership Style
Egalitarian means managers treat everyone with equal respect and avoid overt
display of status. Hands off means managers set objectives and trust to employees
to work independently with minimum oversight. Participative means managers
encourage employees to share ideas and opinions when making decisions.

FAMOUS PRODUCTS OF NEW ZEALAND

Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is produced by bees foraging on the flowers of the Manuka tree, a
very special tree that only grows in New Zealand. Researchers and doctors a have
found that Manuka honey has bioactive healing properties. It has been found to be
effective at boosting the body’s immune system, healing wounds, treating skin
infections, sore throats and digestive problems among other things. Some celebrities
attribute their great complexions to manuka honey.
(Source: Cameron, C. (2024, October 1). 7 Things New Zealand Is Famous for and
Where to Find Them. The Road Trip New Zealand.
[Link]
fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR09m91JdS7VuLcdNGteCd4MfiSHRB-
Nzk_QTO8DRAwIWbIe5pvC4I4j_ds_aem_RcE5XHDbZ4JVMGSX5crVwQ)

Wine
New Zealand is most famous for it’s Sauvignon Blanc and more recently it’s Pinot
Noir. New Zealand wines are world renowned, and almost 90% of wine produced in
New Zealand is exported. Marlborough, Martinborough and Hawks Bay are perhaps
the most famous wine regions in the country, other prominent wine producing
regions include Northland, Auckland, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Wairarapa,
Nelson, Canterbury/Waipara and Central Otago.

(Source: Gellie, T., & Gellie, T. (2018, February 20). New Zealand wines to try:
Beyond Sauvignon. Decanter. [Link]
zealand-wines-to-try-beyond-sauvignon-384691/)

Kiwi Fruit
New Zealanders call the fruit “kiwifruit”, and in fact, kiwi birds and kiwifruit are similar
in appearance; roundish, brown and fuzzy. The kiwifruit is one of New Zealand’s
major horticultural exports. The kiwifruit originated from China and was developed
into a commercial product by New Zealand orchardists who began exporting the fruit
to the world in the 1950’s
(Source: Cameron, C. (2024, October 1). 7 Things New Zealand Is Famous for and
Where to Find Them. The Road Trip New Zealand.
[Link]
fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR09m91JdS7VuLcdNGteCd4MfiSHRB-
Nzk_QTO8DRAwIWbIe5pvC4I4j_ds_aem_RcE5XHDbZ4JVMGSX5crVwQ)

Whittaker’s Chocolate
Whittaker’s is a family business in New Zealand devoted to crafting the finest
chocolate since 1896. They are the only major chocolate manufacturer in New
Zealand that ensures quality by controlling the whole manufacturing process from
beans to bar. Each step, from receiving the cocoa bean to the final wrapped product,
is done at their factory in Porirua, Wellington.

(Source: Jim, & Jim. (2021, January 18). WHITTAKER’S CHOCOLATE BRINGS A
TASTE OF NEW ZEALAND TO CANADA WITH LAUNCH OF BESPOKE WEBSITE.
Western Grocer. [Link]
zealand-canada-launch-bespoke-website/)

Fonterra Dairy Products

Fonterra is a co-operative of dairy farmers and processors that offers a range of
brands and products for consumers and businesses in New Zealand and around the
world. Fonterra’s Consumer Brands are loved by consumers worldwide, and the
company takes pride in producing high-quality dairy products. Some of the popular
consumer brands include Anchor, Anlene, Perfect Italiano, Mainland and Fernleaf.
(Source: Xzyra. (2024, May 17). Fonterra Brands Launches New Range of Dairy
Products in Singapore. Kaizenaire - Singapore’s Lifestyle & Online Shopping
Website. [Link]
products-in-singapore/)

SERVICES
Tourism
New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places and a well-known tourist
destination. The main attraction of this place is its surreal natural beauty. Travellers
and adventure lovers can gather amazing experiences from New Zealand. Apart
from picturesque natural phenomena, New Zealand is also famous for its authentic
Maori culture.

(Source: New Zealand Travel Guide | New Zealand Tourism - KAYAK. (n.d.).
KAYAK. [Link]
Health Care System
The healthcare system in New Zealand provides some free services for
prescriptions, treatments, x-rays, and some laboratory tests carried out at public
hospitals or clinics. It also includes service charges for pregnant women, dental care
until the age of 18, and breast exams for women of fifty years of age or older.

(Source: International Citizens Insurance. (2024, July 9). The New Zealand
Healthcare System - Are You Eligible?
[Link]

Agricultural
New Zealand’s farming base required a relatively complex economy. Highly
productive pastoral farming, embracing extensive sheep grazing and large-scale milk
production, was made possible by a temperate climate, heavy investment in land
improvement (including the introduction of European grasses and regular application
of imported fertilizers), and highly skilled farm management by owner-occupiers, who
used one of the highest ratios of capital to labour in farming anywhere in the world.

(Source: New Zealand farmer at a dairy farm by Jan MacKenzie - Truestock. (n.d.).
[Link]
COMPARE AND CONTRAST

SWITZERLAND NEW ZEALAND

 Located in  Natural  Located in

Central Europe Beauty of Southwestern
 Formal and Scenic View Pacific Ocean
Direct  Punctuality  Casual and
 Hierarchy Titles in Business indirect
Meetings  Called by first
of Position
 High names
 No direct Standards  Surrounded by
access to sea of Living
 Multilingualism sea
 Strong
(German,  Has
economies
French, Italian indigenous
and Romansh) Maori culture

Switzerland and New Zealand are two high-income countries with strong economies,
luxury tourisms, have high standards of living, and have some similarities in business
cultures but they differ significantly in their geographic location, economic structure,
and social systems. Both countries are successful in different ways, but they face
unique challenges that stem from their specific geographic and economic conditions.

SUMMARY
Switzerland and New Zealand are both known for their breathtaking landscapes, but
their geography offers different experiences. Switzerland’s appeal lies in its majestic
mountains, alpine lakes, and quaint villages, ideal for winter sports and scenic travel.
New Zealand, on the other hand, boasts a wide variety of landscapes—from
volcanoes to glaciers, beaches to fjords—making it a paradise for nature lovers and
adventure seekers. While both countries offer unparalleled natural beauty,
Switzerland's charm is more alpine and compact, while New Zealand provides more
diverse and expansive scenic experiences.
Switzerland and New Zealand present two distinct business environments.
Switzerland is more formal, structured, and hierarchical, reflecting its strong
economic focus on high-value industries like finance and manufacturing. In contrast,
New Zealand’s business culture is informal, egalitarian, and team-oriented, mirroring
its reliance on agriculture and tourism. While both countries prioritize work-life
balance and efficient business practices, Switzerland’s formality contrasts with New
Zealand’s casual and collaborative approach, making each country’s business
environment unique in its own right.

(Source:Instagram.(n.d.).[Link]
Czl9RorMhUt/?img_index=1)
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