Cultural Tips for Norway – including valuable business travel tips for Norway
When doing business in Norway, punctuality is important. Norwegians appreciate punctuality for social engagements as well. If you must be late for any reason, make sure you call in advance and explain.
Standard business or business casual attire is the norm. It’s best for jewelry and accessories to be understated.
Tonality in business should be moderate. Norwegians prefer that people do not raise their voices when discussing something.
Body language, touching, and gestures aren’t overly demonstrative, nor do Norwegians use extremes of expression in business.
Do not ask personal questions until asked first, and don’t be offended if Norwegians do not inquire about your family or work. This is a private culture, so personal and business lives are often kept separate.
Norwegians accept silence as normal, so don’t hurriedly fill in pauses in the conversation. Also avoid superficial conversation.
All Scandinavians appreciate it if you can show knowledge of the differences between the people of Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark.
During introductions, give a simple, firm handshake often with just one or two pumps. It’s not the norm to exchange gifts in ordinary meetings. Norwegians introduce themselves with their first name followed by their surname.
Often Norwegians have two given names, and both are used as a ‘first’ name, for example Peter Marten or Selma Astrid. It is impolite to shorten the name to just the first of the two.
For business purposes, Norwegians sometimes introduce themselves by title if expected to do so. However, when a relationship has been established, Norwegians usually move onto a first name basis.
There are few things Norwegians are openly offended by, and they regard themselves as worldly and unbiased. However, they do not appreciate loud or boisterous behavior in any context.
Norwegians prepare for meetings and expect you to have done the same. Punctuality is extremely important.
The Norwegian communication style is often seen as ‘direct’, and they will get to the point quickly and establish the boundaries before addressing the finer details. Facts are very important and must be accurate.
Presentations should be concise, matter of fact and to the point. Any visuals or handouts should contain only the essential information.
In meetings and negotiations, Norwegians believe that everyone should be included and everyone should be given an opportunity to have a say. They consider and value all opinions.
Although negotiating teams may have a leader, they are not necessarily the main decision maker. Consensus after discussion is the goal, and because negotiating teams typically come to decisions as a group – negotiations can take longer.
There is a strong emphasis on equality, and all members of a negotiating team are of equal value and status. Don’t be surprised if a woman takes the lead even if she is younger than any of the men.
There is a high value placed on proven ability, and there is a defined management hierarchy. The authority to make decisions may be delegated down the management structure, however, there may also be a need to refer decisions to everyone to ensure that all those affected have their say.
Norwegians have a great appreciation of nature and the environment. They make significant efforts to protect their countryside and coastlines.
Norwegians are very hospitable and will invite you to their homes occasionally for dinner. Be sure to arrive promptly and take a bottle of wine or flowers for the host.
The most common toast is ‘ skål’, pronounced ‘skoal.’ Do not sip your drink until the host has said ‘ skål ‘, and only then take your glass and raise it.
5 Key Conversation or Cultural Gesture Tips
The Nobel Prize is a well-known feature of the Norwegian culture
Folk Music and Norwegian composers such as Grieg
Travel and experiences in other countries
Current events and politics – if you know what you’re talking about
Sports – especially football (soccer), biathlon, cross-country skiing, and rally driving
5 Key Conversation or Cultural Gesture Taboos
Any criticism of the Norwegian government or culture
Discussing what you earn or comparisons with pay scales in other countries
Paying compliments to people you have just met – compliments are typically well earned
Bragging about rank, status, or showing off
Avoid overly demonstrative expressions and body language
Bon Voyage!
Join us in the future for Do’s and Taboos for PERU!
To learn more about the Dos and Taboos for different cultures, and the cultural communication styles for Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East – order Gayle Cotton’s bestselling book ‘SAY Anything to Anyone, Anywhere! 5 Keys to Successful Cross-Cultural Communication’ available on Amazon as a Book, eBook, Audio Book.
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The CROSS of Cross-Cultural
Emmy Award Winner, Gayle Cotton, is the author of this blog and of the bestselling cross-cultural communication book ‘SAY Anything to Anyone, Anywhere! 5 Keys to Successful Cross-Cultural Communication’, which is available on Amazon as a Book, eBook, or Audio Book. She is President of Circles Of Excellence Inc. and a Professional Keynote Speaker. Contact Gayle if you need professional speakers for events, speakers on cultural diversity, conference speakers for events, or keynote speakers that specialize in cross-cultural training. She is a leader in the field of public speakers, motivational speakers, and international keynote speakers. She is among the best of female keynote speakers and women motivational speakers and is a ‘first choice’ request for international audiences!
Circles Of Excellence provides Corporate Training, Leadership Coaching, and Professional Keynote Speakers for companies of all sizes and in all industries, including 50 Fortune 500 companies. Contact us about our customized training programs for Communication Skills, Cross-Cultural Communication, Cultural Diversity, Customer Service, Leadership Coaching, Presentation Skills, Sales Negotiations, Stress Management, Teambuilding, and Time Management Training.
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