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.

1. Foreign Staffing, Inc.

2.  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.

3.  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.

4.  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 are
equal and no one person is any
better than anyone else. In this
country of humility and equality,
avoid making comments on any
material possessions owned by
Norwegian colleagues.

5.  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.

6.  Always be punctual.
 If you are going to be late, please
call.
 Even when invited to a social event,
be punctual.
 Norwegians will get to work exactly at
the start of the business day, and
expect to finish up exactly at the end
of the business day.
 Avoid trips to Norway around Easter,
as well as during July and early
August as these are dedicated times
for family and vacation.

7.  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.”

8.  Dress conservatively.
 Men should wear suits and women
should wear either tasteful dresses
or pant suits. Women should never
wear excessive jewelry or
accessories.