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.
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Etiquette to Trondheimians
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