Culture Smart Switzerland

Kendall Maycock is a Canadian author and journalist living in Zurich. After graduating in political science from the University of Calgary she worked for an independent newspaper in South Africa where she met her Swiss husband. Her book 'Black Taxi: Shooting South Africa' documents her experiences there. She has contributed cultural essays to the Washington Times magazine ('The World and I').

Map of Switzerland;
Introduction;
Key Facts;
Chapter 1: Land and People (Climate; Geographical Snapshot; Languages; A Brief History; Government; Foreign Policy; The Swiss People Today; Cities);
Chapter 2: Values and Attitudes (Unity Not Uniformity; Responsible Citizens; Social Control; A Self-Policing Society; Klartext (Clarity); Transparency and Secrecy; Language and Identity; Work Ethic);
Chapter 3: Customs and Traditions (Festivals and Celebrations; Remembering History; Public Holidays; Religious Landscape);
Chapter 4: Making Friends (Distance and Small Talk; Greetings; Kissing; Doing 'Dudsis'; The Expatriate Community; Attitude Toward Foreigners; Invitations Home; The Apéro; Coffee Culture; Neighborly Behavior; Take the Opportunity);
Chapter 5: The Swiss at Home (Heimatort; Living Space; The Laundry Room; Living Conditions; Education; Military Service; Daily Life; Shopping; Working Hours; Residence Permits for Foreigners; Visas);
Chapter 6: Time Out (Clubs and Associations; Restaurants; Café Society; Retail Therapy; Banking Hours; Art, Music, and Popular Culture; Outdoor Pursuits);
Chapter 7: Traveling (Where to Stay; Ski Resorts; Driving; Trains; Health);
Chapter 8: Business Briefing (The Swiss Economy; Labor Relations; Presentation and Listening Styles; Etiquette and Protocol; Negotiating Style; Teamwork; Decision Making; Promise and Fulfillment; Management Style; Differences Between Germans and Swiss; Women in the Workplace);
Chapter 9: Communicating (Face-to-face; Television, Radio, and Electronic Media; Newspapers and Magazines; Services; Conclusion);
Appendix 1: Ski Resorts;
Appendix 2: Some Famous Swiss People;
Further Reading;
Index;
Acknowledgment