Doing business in Norway

The UK has had an excellent trading relationship with Norway for years. Norwegians work principally in shipping and the production of oil and gas. These are both industries in which a large number of British companies also invest. There are therefore more than enough opportunities both for entrepreneurs and those looking for work. In order to make the best use of them, however, it is important to know a little more about Norwegian business etiquette. We have some tips for you with which you can get started.

The first meeting

Punctuality is important for all business relationships, but it is especially true in Norway. Norwegians will always be on time and the person you need to see may even be there sometime beforehand. The very least you can do, therefore, is to be on time yourself. Norwegians generally like to be able to dispose of their time as they please, so most appointments take place in the morning. This allows people do as they like with the rest of their day. Office hours are always between 8.00am and 4.00pm.
When meeting for the first time, pleasantries are exchanged but the conversation soon turns to business.

Business culture

Organisational structures in Norwegian companies are usually flat. Hierarchy is unimportant and managers are not particularly authoritarian. Responsibility is shared. Titles are not used and people usually address each other by their first name.
Norwegian companies are also prepared to pay for quality. Their most important considerations are often suitability, safety, and sustainability. They expect complete honesty from their business partner and they are themselves transparent about what they want and what they are prepared to pay.