Norwegian Business Etiquette Tips

Business people looking to establish and grow a presence in Norwegian markets will benefit greatly from practicing proper Norwegian business etiquette. Being familiar with and practicing this etiquette well will give you an advantage when working with your Norwegian colleagues.

Please note that Norway is an egalitarian society. Please treat male and female colleagues equally. Norwegians also follow Jante’s Law, which emphasizes humility and equality. Be aware of this and do not draw undue attention to yourself or your achievements. By demonstrating proficiency in Norwegian business etiquette, you will impress your colleagues and demonstrate your aptitude in the business world.

Norwegian Business Meeting Etiquette

Proper business etiquette for Norwegian meetings is distinct from that in the United States and in many other countries. Here are some business etiquette tips to help you appropriately interact with your Norwegian colleagues:

• Be punctual - If you are going to be late, please call. You should also be punctual if invited to a social occasion.
• Be humble - Norwegians do not do anything to draw attention to themselves. It is seen as rude. Norway is an egalitarian country where no one is better than anyone else. Please do not comment excessively on the car or other material possessions owned by a Norwegian colleagues.
• Do not expect small talk - Norwegians like to get straight to business.
• Expect direct communication - Norwegians communicate directly and honestly. Please do not raise your voice when speaking with your Norwegian colleagues. This will make them uncomfortable. Norwegians are not overly emotional when speaking. Please follow suit. If you don't speak Norwegian, consider hiring a Norwegian translator or interpreter to demonstrate your professionalism and facilitate communication.
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• Support your presentations with facts - Norwegians make decisions based on facts. Do not exaggerate during your presentation. Your Norwegian colleagues will wait until the presentation has concluded before asking any questions. Interrupting is considered rude.

Other helpful etiquette tips for Norwegian business meetings include:

• Norwegians sometimes have two first names. Please use both of them when addressing a Norwegian colleague by first name. Upon initial meeting, address your Norwegian colleagues by title and surname, although they will invite you to move to first names shortly. “Miss”, “Mrs.,” and “Mr.” are considered very formal. You do not need to add these in front of a Norwegian colleague’s first name.
• Employees in a company expect their opinions to be heard. Norway is an egalitarian society where everyone’s opinion is valued.
• If you are invited to a Norwegian colleague’s home, do not bring a wreath as a gift, even at Christmas.
• Dress conservatively. Men should wear suits and women should wear either tasteful dresses or pant suits. Women should not wear excessive jewelry or accessories.
• Shake hands with everyone in the room upon initial meeting. Maintain eye contact, as it is a symbol of sincerity. Please do not be overly friendly. This is seen as a weakness.
• Do not be surprised if a union representative is present at a business meeting. Unions are present at many Norwegian companies. Go that extra mile and impress your Norwegian colleagues by getting a Norwegian translation of all pertinent documents.
• Do not schedule meetings in July or August. These are vacation months for many Norwegians. Refrain from scheduling meetings during the two weeks before or after Christmas. Many businesses are closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Do not schedule meetings the week before or after Easter.

Values Honored in Norwegian Speaking Countries

• Egalitarianism
• Humility
• Direct Communication

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