Swedes pride themselves on their cooperative, egalitarian spirit in the workplace. In theory at least, issues of status and hierarchy are far less important than in many other countries - most people use their first names in the workplace and elaborate deference is definitely out of fashion. Management style is consensual rather than authoritarian. Since Stockholm is the capital, the city sees itself as setting the tone and pace for the rest of the country. Nevertheless, however relaxed Swedes are about power and authority, they are strict timekeepers and punctuality is expected for both work and play.

Standard working hours are Monday to Friday 0900-1800 but flexible hours are common practice. Swedes also tend to stick to the point - personal chat is generally left until the real business is done and dusted. Smart dress is still the norm, although more casual attire is being adopted in the new industries such as IT and Internet businesses. Most business socialising is done away from the home, at bars and restaurants. Dinners tend to be quite boozy affairs, although at lunches water is often substituted for alcohol.