National Culture - Regional Culture
When we talk about cultural differences we most often consider the differences between countries and our perception of national identities. Sometimes neglecting just important other cultural differences can be. Company culture for example, professional cultures, gender culture, generation culture, and regional cultures.
Sweden - A Country of Little Countries
I was recently at an international leadership seminar in Sweden, with a generous mix of Swedish and international participants. When it came to explaining Swedish cultural priorities the Swedish participants explained how important it is to consider the regional differences. The discussion developed into how Swedish regions can be interpreted as representing characteristics from other countries; Stockholm has more of a US influence, Gothenburg more British…
Stockholm - USA
Stockholm is like the US. It is where trends start and end, life is fast-paced, fashions
Gothenburg - England
'Goa grabbar frå Göteborrrrg' is a local expression that tells us Gothenburg folk
Skåne - Denmark
Skåne - in the south of Sweden - has its own flag, its own folk heroes, its own very
Jämtland - Ireland
Jämtland, in the middle of Sweden and close to Norway, is a self-proclaimed
Norrland - Finland
The folk of Norrland are known for short sentences, long silences and mistrust of
Värmland - Norway
Värmland is the home of Sven-Göran Eriksson, who once quipped; 'maybe we're
Småland - Scotland
Småland is the home of IKEA, and its founder Ingvar Kamprad, famous for frugal
Västernorrland - Canada
This is the northern region of Sweden with its wide rivers and logging camps -
Dalarna - Sweden
So in a country of small countries, where do you go to find Sweden? The answer is
Haparanda - EU
And there's a place in Sweden that boasts to be the centre of the EU. Their town
