Norwegian business culture

Norway is very non-hierarchical in its approach to business structure. Norway's business culture is quite informal, and follows the egalitarian principles. There are equal opportunities in the workplace, and many women occupy senior business positions. Hand in hand with this egalitarian approach goes an openness of communication and freedom of information. Managers are expected to act more as coaches and facilitators that as paternalistic, authoritarian figures.

  • Business meetings and negotiations

    10.08.2011

    In Norway, it is still relatively easy to reach top-level executives within a corporation. It is often possible to go all the way to the top but care should be taken to determine whether this is really the wisest move - so...

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  • Hellos and goodbyes

    10.08.2011

    Norwegians usually greet and take their leave of one another with a firm handshake - the firmer the better. There are few formal rules for greeting and no great importance is attached to greeting in order of rank, gender, ...

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  • Small talk with Norwegians

    10.08.2011

    Norwegians are not accustomed to engaging in small talk and are usually very goal-oriented in their discussions. They prefer to get down to business right away instead of using time to chat. 

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  • Following up business contacts

    04.11.2011

    Follow-up procedures depend largely on how important the business contact is to your company.

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  • Business lunches and dinners

    10.08.2011

    Lunch in Norway is a simpler affair than in many other countries. It usually consists of open-faced sandwiches — often home-made — eaten with coffee or tea during a half-hour break taken sometime between 11.30 am and 1 pm.

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