Foreign Staffing, Inc.

Proper Norwegian business etiquette

is essential to gain new partners and

clients in the Norwegian community.

Becoming confident with the proper

procedures involved in Norwegian

business etiquette will create success

for your business.

Norway is celebrated as an

egalitarian society, and as such it is

vital that you treat male and female

colleagues equally.

Norwegians also follow Jante’s Law, highlighting humility and equality.

Avoid drawing undue attention to yourself or your accomplishments.

Impressing your Norwegian colleagues can be done by becoming aware of

what they value and sharing in the practice of Norwegian etiquette, thus

enhancing your network to the Norwegian market.

Norwegians may have two first names. Be

sure to use both of them when addressing a

Norwegian colleague by first name.

Upon initial meeting, be sure to address

your Norwegian colleagues by title and

surname, although they will invite you to

move to first names.

Do not expect small talk, Norwegians like to get straight to business.

Be sure to shake hands with everyone in the room upon entering.

Maintain strong eye contact, as it is a symbol of genuineness.

Please do not be overly friendly, as this can be seen as a weakness.

Being humble is important.

Norwegians avoid anything that

could draw attention to themselves

as standing in the spotlight is seen as

a rude action.

Expect direct communication, as

Norwegians always communicate

directly and honestly. Do not raise

your voice in emotional displays when

speaking with your Norwegian

colleagues, as the lack of control and

balance will be uncomfortable.

As an egalitarian country,Norway considers that all areequal and no one person is anybetter than anyone else. In thiscountry of humility and equality,avoid making comments on anymaterial possessions owned byNorwegian colleagues.

Norwegians are not excessively

emotional when speaking.

Always support your presentations

with facts, as Norwegians make

decisions based on facts and avoid

any exaggeration.

Go that extra mile and impress your

Norwegian colleagues by offering

them a Norwegian translation of all

your documents.

Always be punctual.

If you are going to be late, pleasecall.

Even when invited to a social event,be punctual.

Norwegians will get to work exactly atthe start of the business day, andexpect to finish up exactly at the endof the business day.

Avoid trips to Norway around Easter,as well as during July and earlyAugust as these are dedicated timesfor family and vacation.

If you are invited to a Norwegian

colleague’s home, it is not appropriate

to bring a wreath as a gift, even at

Christmas.

Alcohol taxes are high, so bring a fine

alcohol as a highly welcomed gift.

People in Norway will greet each other

with the phrase “morn” meaning “good

morning.”

Dress conservatively.

Men should wear suits and women

should wear either tasteful dresses

or pant suits. Women should never

wear excessive jewelry or

accessories.