Norwegian Etiquette
Norwegian Etiquette: Understanding a Norwegian business culture,
protocol and etiquette is
important in achieving success! Some of my friends
have been asking me to make a site about Norwegian
Etiquette,
especially
Graydon, a Canadian friend. Now I think it's time to write about it.
You, who
are living in Norway and wondering about Norwegian culture, here is your lucky day. You might
find
your
answer on here :)
My
intention of writing this article is to introduce you some points about
our culture and protocol. It is not intended to give a
business recipe about how to negotiate with Norwegian businessmen and
business women. Rather, it highlights some important key areas for
consideration when a person wants to do business in Norway
such as how to communicate and conduct business meetings. It
is not intended to stereotype Norwegians either. People act differently
in various situation.
Meeting
and greeting in Norway
There is no ritual
to follow when you great a Norwegian businessman. A
handshake, eye
contact and a smile are enough when doing business in Norway.
Norwegians are relatively informal. However they may often
introduce themselves
using their last names. Don't worry, you will feel comfortable with
Norwegians
since they move to first names very quickly. When you refer
to a
Norwegian businessman, you should use their both name and last name.
Such as:
Jon Atle Langberg( a male name) or Siv Hammer ( a female name)
When you present yourself, try not to sound over
confident or
self-promoting. It may sound as self exulting in the eye of a Norwegian!
A cornerstone of Norwegian culture is egalitarianism,
embodied in what is
called "Janteloven" in English Jante's Law. Jante's Law
teaches
people to be modest and humble. Many people have criticized others
because of
following Janteloven! This has become a bit problem among
Norwegian young
people. One may observe lack of confidence among some people since they
exaggerate in showing themselves humble! Sometimes for
instance at school
some very talented students dare not to express their meaning and
knowledge. Why? Because they are afraid of being judged as a
person who is trying to show
off!
Some even get psychological problems or even commit suicide! This has
been a major problem
during the
last to decades!
communication
in Norway
The Norwegian communication style
is informal, transactional and direct.
Although a person may sense the influence of egalitarianism, Norwegian
business
culture lacks graces, but people are generally easy going in
communication.
However, informality does not offer anyone to act
unprofessionally. It is
important to always remain polite and respectful when doing business in
Norway.
You may sense the same thing in some other countries such
as:in Japan
and China, if you have been doing business in such countries.
It is very important to build trust and confidence
in
Norwegian business
environment by proving you and your
company's experience,
qualifications and knowledge. Remember! Relationships in
Norway develop
slowly, but last longer:-)
Norwegians are straight-forwarded and never
play behind the
bushes, if they feel
negative about you or company. Norwegians have no difficulty
disagreeing
with people or speaking their minds within a business context. In
personal
life, a Norwegian might be very prudent in using direct words. They
consider
it polite and considerate.
Norwegians are very honest in communication and expect the
same thing from the
other people.
Punctuality is very
important when doing business in Norway.
If you feel that
you might delay, send a message a few hours or at least an hour before
the meeting
to let your Norwegian business partner know that you might
delay.
Business meetings will have a small amount of small talk but quickly
get down
to the business at hand.
When you present a project make sure that you
have a back up
argument/s or concepts
with concrete facts and figures neatly organized in charts.
Norwegians are
analytical thinkers and this helps them reach
conclusions
easily. Try to avoid exaggerated claims in your
presentation in
the meetings or doing business. If you sense a bad
vibes from
a Norwegian business partner and you do not understand why the person
sound too quite or act as a stranger, give him/her some time,
everything
will be fine.
Get to
know People from Trondheim and click from Norwegian Etiquette to Trondheimians
If you have any questions or comment about my article click at here
Norwegian Etiquette
Trondheim Travel Guide
|
