Doing business in Norway
Norway is an egalitarian society with flat hierarchies and power structures that do not keep management and employees 
estranged. Norwegians often work across hierarchies rather than through the line. The leadership style is informal, and is based on employee freedom with responsibility.
The World Bank ranks Norway in 8th place (out of 183 countries) for Ease of Doing Business, testament to its advanced economy and transparent business practices.
Important industries in Norway are: Oil and gas, fish farming, industrial fishing, mineral processing, hydroelectric power, shipping and ship building.
A key to successfully doing business in Norway is understanding the concept of egalitarianism, a belief in the inherent equality of people. In this Scandinavian nation, everybody feels like they can interact directly with everybody, and in line with this principle, Norwegians tend to establish direct contact with the person who can get things moving, rather than doing everything through the line.
Egalitarianism also means that an excessive display of wealth is likely to be considered inappropriate and in bad taste.
The hierarchy is often quite flat, and decision making models are based on consensus and compromise. Decisions may take a long time due to this, as many opinions need to be taken into account. Even after a formal decision has been made, there may be some lobbying by certain individuals who’d like to make a final effort to change the decision. Expats are expected to participate in the discussions, and need to bear in mind that decision making may be a slow process in Norway
Norwegians are generally unafraid of disagreeing with their superior – again, a likely consequence of the egalitarian society, in combination with strong job protection and an extensive social welfare system.
Most Norwegians use first names in a business setting, after the first introduction. Males and females shake hands as equals, and in no particular order, but on a daily basis they just say “Hi” or “Good morning”, without shaking hands.
Business conduct in Norway tends to be relaxed and informal, and sometimes a bit unstructured. Meetings may lack a formal agenda, and smaller decisions may even be made by the coffee machine. Coffee breaks are regular, and socialising and having fun at work is encouraged, as it is believed that cheerful employees will be more productive.
That said, Norwegians draw a line between business and private life, and will seldom ask private questions.
Norwegian management style is based on freedom with responsibility; meaning, a leader is more likely to delegate tasks to be solved than to give detailed orders. The leader will not follow up closely, and will usually give the subordinate freedom to figure out how and when to solve the task, as long as it is completed within the deadline. Norwegian employees are accustomed to this freedom, and understand that it also demands an inherent sense of responsibility.
Meetings in Norway will start on time, and will usually address points of business quickly, with only a few minutes of the cursory small talk beforehand, which is typically done before everybody is in place. Meetings are usually conducted in an informal way, and often without any note taking or minute keeping. Norwegians tend to be a bit undisciplined when it comes to writing specifications and documentation.
Dress code varies greatly, and is determined largely by industry. The banking, finance and sales sectors’ attire will be more formal (suit or jacket and trousers), and technical staff will have a more casual dress code (jeans). Personal hygiene (clean body and clothes) is more important than wearing formal clothes.
Norwegians have a strong work – leisure time balance, and most people leave the office at 4 pm.
Finally, it should be noted that Norway is one of the least corrupt countries in the world. Most companies have a policy restricting their employees from receiving gifts. If you want to give a business connection a gift, it is better to rather invite them out for dinner.
On the surface it seems uncomplicated to start your own business in Norway. Registration is achieved by submitting a single form to the authorities. However, there are a number of rules and regulations that affect both the starting up and the running your business, and it is the responsibility of the founder to know all aspects relevant to your business.
All aspects of the legislation and the corresponding regulations are not easily accessed, particularly since a great part of the relevant material is available in Norwegian only. Some forms for business communication with Norwegian authorities are available in English, otherwise, the Bedin Company web site and the Altinn web site both provide valuable English material.
If you do not find the information you are looking for, you may call the Business Hotline at 800 33 840.
Help can also be found at the Federation of Norwegian commercial and service enterprises (HSH). They can assist you with the rules and regulations.
Business language: Norwegian, but English is spoken throughout, high degree fluency
Hours of Business: 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday
Dress: Usually business casual; suits are only mandatory in some industries and companies
Gifts: Not expected, possibly inappropriate
Gender equality: Fully equal; women doing business in Norway will receive the same treatment as men
estranged. Norwegians often work across hierarchies rather than through the line. The leadership style is informal, and is based on employee freedom with responsibility.The World Bank ranks Norway in 8th place (out of 183 countries) for Ease of Doing Business, testament to its advanced economy and transparent business practices.
Important industries in Norway are: Oil and gas, fish farming, industrial fishing, mineral processing, hydroelectric power, shipping and ship building.
Business culture in Norway
A key to successfully doing business in Norway is understanding the concept of egalitarianism, a belief in the inherent equality of people. In this Scandinavian nation, everybody feels like they can interact directly with everybody, and in line with this principle, Norwegians tend to establish direct contact with the person who can get things moving, rather than doing everything through the line.
Egalitarianism also means that an excessive display of wealth is likely to be considered inappropriate and in bad taste.
The hierarchy is often quite flat, and decision making models are based on consensus and compromise. Decisions may take a long time due to this, as many opinions need to be taken into account. Even after a formal decision has been made, there may be some lobbying by certain individuals who’d like to make a final effort to change the decision. Expats are expected to participate in the discussions, and need to bear in mind that decision making may be a slow process in Norway
Norwegians are generally unafraid of disagreeing with their superior – again, a likely consequence of the egalitarian society, in combination with strong job protection and an extensive social welfare system.Most Norwegians use first names in a business setting, after the first introduction. Males and females shake hands as equals, and in no particular order, but on a daily basis they just say “Hi” or “Good morning”, without shaking hands.
Business conduct in Norway tends to be relaxed and informal, and sometimes a bit unstructured. Meetings may lack a formal agenda, and smaller decisions may even be made by the coffee machine. Coffee breaks are regular, and socialising and having fun at work is encouraged, as it is believed that cheerful employees will be more productive.
That said, Norwegians draw a line between business and private life, and will seldom ask private questions.
Norwegian management style is based on freedom with responsibility; meaning, a leader is more likely to delegate tasks to be solved than to give detailed orders. The leader will not follow up closely, and will usually give the subordinate freedom to figure out how and when to solve the task, as long as it is completed within the deadline. Norwegian employees are accustomed to this freedom, and understand that it also demands an inherent sense of responsibility.
Meetings in Norway will start on time, and will usually address points of business quickly, with only a few minutes of the cursory small talk beforehand, which is typically done before everybody is in place. Meetings are usually conducted in an informal way, and often without any note taking or minute keeping. Norwegians tend to be a bit undisciplined when it comes to writing specifications and documentation.
Dress code varies greatly, and is determined largely by industry. The banking, finance and sales sectors’ attire will be more formal (suit or jacket and trousers), and technical staff will have a more casual dress code (jeans). Personal hygiene (clean body and clothes) is more important than wearing formal clothes.
Norwegians have a strong work – leisure time balance, and most people leave the office at 4 pm.
Finally, it should be noted that Norway is one of the least corrupt countries in the world. Most companies have a policy restricting their employees from receiving gifts. If you want to give a business connection a gift, it is better to rather invite them out for dinner.
Starting a business in Norway
On the surface it seems uncomplicated to start your own business in Norway. Registration is achieved by submitting a single form to the authorities. However, there are a number of rules and regulations that affect both the starting up and the running your business, and it is the responsibility of the founder to know all aspects relevant to your business.
All aspects of the legislation and the corresponding regulations are not easily accessed, particularly since a great part of the relevant material is available in Norwegian only. Some forms for business communication with Norwegian authorities are available in English, otherwise, the Bedin Company web site and the Altinn web site both provide valuable English material.
If you do not find the information you are looking for, you may call the Business Hotline at 800 33 840.
Help can also be found at the Federation of Norwegian commercial and service enterprises (HSH). They can assist you with the rules and regulations.
Doing Business in Norway: Fact Facts
Business language: Norwegian, but English is spoken throughout, high degree fluency
Hours of Business: 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday
Dress: Usually business casual; suits are only mandatory in some industries and companies
Gifts: Not expected, possibly inappropriate
Gender equality: Fully equal; women doing business in Norway will receive the same treatment as men
Do’s and don’ts of business in Norway
- Do – be on time for meetings and private appointments
- Do – advise of delays of more than 5 minutes
- Do – get down to business after a few minutes of small talk only
- Do – be honest and forthright
- Do – dress smartly when going out in the evening if it is a planned event
- Do – flag any possible delays as soon as they are known to you
- Don’t – say yes if you are asked to do something that you cannot deliver
- Don’t – stand too close; personal space should be respected
- Don’t – ever drink and drive while in Norway (or being with Norwegians in your home country)
