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