Cultural communication 

Finland is the happiest country in the world, or is it? 

We are quiet, truthful and like to spend time alone. I believe these are already deeply rooted in our roots. We have learned over a long period of time the way we work. I think the Finnish weather does a lot to stabilize people's moods. I find myself feeling down already in autumn. Before the snow comes and when it's really dark my mind will be blackened. With the arrival of snow comes the light to help you get through the winter. 

Winter is long and dark. Summer is short and rarely warm. Finns are happy and open in summer. In winter, people are left to their own devices. It is difficult for people arriving in Finland from abroad to understand how Finland is the happiest country? I think Finland has good government support. This brings security and also happiness.  

Finns do not look happy on the surface. Finns think if someone smiles a lot and pretends to be happy, they're not really happy. Finns tells it like it is. Finns wants to be honest.  

 

Ageing in different cultures 

In kenya, young people think the elderly are gossiping and their time is up. Older people have been saddened by their words. But they forgive because they are their children.  

In bolivia, young people think that the elderly do not belong in society. In the eyes of young people, the elderly talk too much, although this is not the case. Several countries were united by similar factors. Hospitals do not treat the elderly because there are no medicines for everyone, so the elderly are the ones left without. People have forgotten that the heart of an old person is still young. 

It´s hard to understand how older people are not valued. They are neglected and not cared for. Personally, I have great respect for the elderly. They have lived long lives and deserve their retirement. I believe that the elderly are treated better in Finland. There is much room for improvement here too. However, the behaviour towards the elderly is hopefully not as bad. 

 

Fatherhood 

I watched a video about fatherhood in different cultures. I had very mixed feelings. It was challenging to take on the role of a father. Fatherhood in the Arab culture is different from that in Finland. The father is the head of the family. He is respected in everything. If a child sits in a chair, he must hand it over to his father. However, since living in Finland, paternity has changed for them too. Everything is expensive. It's hard to find a job that suits you. You can't offer your children hobbies or expensive clothes. I myself find it hard to understand why the father is the head of the family. Personally, I think everyone in the family should be of equal value. But I understand that it is part of their culture and I respect it.  

If a situation arose in my work where my views with a client were completely different, I asked colleagues for advice. I would then consider ethical values and the law. I would discuss with the client and together we would find a suitable solution. I respect the client's different views even if I do not agree with them. 

If the client has a different culture at work, this will be taken into account. For example, taking into account their beliefs and adapting the work accordingly. However, laws and ethics and the limits they impose are kept in mind.  

Our values, the law and ethical principles have a big influence on the way we work. Work is challenged by the fact that the client also has his own values and these do not always coincide with those of the employee. Employees should reflect on their own values and ethics. Must comply with the law and ethical principles. You can ask the work community for advice and help to find the right solution for the end result. 

 

Sources:  

Is Finland really the happiest country in the world? 2019. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FPU4F-Ajh8. Quoted 27.11.2023

Ageism is all around us - hear how it affects older people around the world. 2016. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv41CdxlmiU. Quoted 27.11.2023

5 Challenges and struggles I have had since moving to Finland. 2021. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dnya-egHqw.  Quoted 27.11.2023 

Ajatuksia isyydestä - Niitty hanke. 2020. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1V6U2XfctE. Quoted 27.11.2023 

Picture: 

www.pexels.com, photographer Canva Studio