Top Tips on Norway

Tip 1
Norway is one of the least hierarchical business cultures in the world and this ‘flatter’ approach to company structure is driven from a deeply held belief in egalitarianism.

Tip 2
This egalitarian approach leads to an openness of communication flow within an organisation which may seem anarchic to people from a more command and control, hierarchical culture.

Tip 3
It is important to try to get colleagues to ‘buy-in’ to any new project or idea at an early stage – any attempts to impose an idea without prior consultation may be resisted strongly.

Tip 4
Norwegians will work very effectively within a team environment, so long as the team ethos is seen to be highly inclusive and that the manner does not attempt to be dictatorial.

Tip 5
Meetings can be lengthy affairs as people are expected to contribute to the consensual decision-making process.

Tip 6
Pre-meeting preparation is expected and respected. Arriving unprepared for a meeting will appear highly unprofessional and may lead people to question your ability and authority

Tip 7
As in all consensus-oriented cultures, decision-making can be a slow process. Be patient, as any attempt to speed this process up through avoiding the important discussion stage will probably backfire.

Tip 8
Do not be late. Punctuality is essential and any possible late arrival should be communicated in advance.

Tip 9
Norwegians put business before relationships and business relationships are based on respect for competence and diligence.

Tip 10
Norway is one of the most gender-equal economies in the world and foreign business women will have no difficulty when interacting with Norwegian contacts.

Tip 11
A strong separation is made between work and private life and private time is guarded zealously – especially in the all-too-few months of summer when life is for living.

Tip 12
Although English language levels are generally very high in Norway, it must be remembered that it is still a foreign language. Make sure that you speak English in a way that is easily understood by a non-native speaker.

Tip 13
Norwegians value direct communication and can see overt diplomacy as signs of evasiveness or even dishonesty. Say what you mean.

Tip 14
Silence is valued and respected in Norway. It is not always necessary to speak – especially if there is nothing much to be said. Do not confuse silence with a lack of interest or understanding.

Tip 15
As body language is quite muted in Norway, audiences can appear disinterested or aloof to those used to a more active use of body language. Do not confuse lack of visible response with lack of interest or understanding.

Tip 16
Humour is not expected or particularly appreciated during the discussion of serious topics. There will be ample opportunity for humour after the serious business has been completed.

Tip 17
Norwegians are very conscious of environmental issues and these topics are very often discussed. Be sure to be prepared to talk about you company’s environmental policy.

Tip 18
More emphasis is placed on the written than the spoken word. It is often not enough to phone someone – follow it up in writing.

Tip 19
Although business dining is not a central part of the business cycle in Norway, it is important to entertain well when inviting contacts out for a social event.

Tip 20
Never underestimate the possibility of bad weather in the winter – make sure you pack the right type of clothing and footwear.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Norway only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.