1 Own national culture
People in societies classified according to the high score of pampering usually show a willingness to prove their impulses and desires for enjoying life and having fun. They have a positive attitude and a tendency to optimism. As well as for them, free time is the most important, act as they wish and spend money as they wish. In Finland, the focus is on ”working for a living”, leaders strive for consensus, people value equality, solidarity and quality in their working life.
Finland favours avoiding uncertainty. In these cultures, there is an emotional need for rules (although the rules never seem to work), time is money, people have an inner desire to be busy and work hard, accuracy and punctuality are the norm, innovation can be resisted, and security is an important part of individual motivation.
2 The importance of hospitality and tourism
Finns are well received by tourists and know how to behave politely and appreciatively. In Finland, tourism is an important industry and, for example, tourism in Lapland is still very popular. In Finland, foreign and Finnish tourists are attracted by beautiful and clean nature, as well as safety and hospitality. In Finland, the price level is moderate and people are willing to pay for activities in their free time. We invest in the holiday season and then we also use domestic services more. I am a hospitable person and I like to take both strangers and familiar people to my home.
I like throwing parties, spending time together, and I’m happy to offer a place to stay for someone who needs it. In tourism, I also consider the ethical aspect to be important, and I think carefully about where I spend my money and who my money goes to. Sustainable tourism is also important to me, I want my choices to have a positive impact on the environment, economy and culture of my destination. I am especially fascinated by Lapland as a travel destination and we have a cottage in Salla for our family to use.
People want the basics: to experience the winter nature and frost, the amount of snow and ice, and to walk deep in the wilderness, as well as reindeer husbandry, dogs and ice fishing are interesting.
3 Cultural and national differences between Spain and France
Spaniards want to live in the moment without much worry about the future. In fact, Spain is a country that has given meaning to the ”fiesta” world.
The French show the ability to easily adapt traditions to changed conditions, a strong tendency to save and invest, thrift and perseverance in achieving results. France has its famous welfare system (securité sociale), the 35-hour working week, five holiday weeks a year and its focus on quality of life.
Spanish children are trained in search of harmony, refusing to take sides or stand out. There is a concern for weak or needy people. Spaniards have a good attitude towards certain cultures – mainly non-European ones. Teamwork is considered a completely natural thing, employees usually work in this way without strong motivation from management. In Spain, I have often been mistaken for a local resident and they have welcomed me with open arms. I have never encountered any grievances while I was there, and for this reason I have not had to be afraid of criminals either.
In France, it is planned to take care only of oneself and one’s family. The French themselves are motivated to be the best in their profession. They expect respect for what they do, after which they will be very willing to serve you well. When I travel in France, I have always received great customer service. I have done business in English and I speak a bit of French as well.
4 Globalisation
A positive opportunity for globalisation is multiculturalism, the triumph of American mass culture and uncontrolled market forces. Globalisation can bring all cultures to broadcasts. Multiculturalism enriches us all. Globalisation increases the transparency and visibility of human activity. Immigration and the spread of multiculturalism have also provoked backlashes, such as racism and ethnic discrimination. The most important principle is that all people have an equal right to universal human rights.