Business
Etiquette
Norwegians are fairly informal in dress, but a smart business suit
is advisable for business meetings. It is customary to shake hands
with everyone present, on meeting and leaving. Punctuality is very
important. Appointments should be made advance and adhered to and
if running late, it is important to telephone and explain why.
Business cards should be exchanged after the
preliminary introductions, after which it is down to business. Norwegians
are quite direct and ready to negotiate, with the minimum of small
talk. Trust is important and, in negotiation, Norwegians are less
likely to indulge in tactical dealing and will be more interested
in the facts of the product than in personality or any social skills.
Visitors should make a fair pitch with room for a little adjustment
but not produce an initial offer that could subsequently be seen
as a negotiating tactic, as this could be perceived as dishonest.
Similarly, expensive gifts should be avoided, as they may be seen
as a bribe. Smaller items bearing the company logo would be suitable
and bringing in the duty-free alcohol allowance would be appreciated
and in a country where the price of alcohol is prohibitive, this
action could earn friendship for life (well, almost!).
Comments about the cost of living and cold weather in Norway are
often perceived as criticism and Norwegians, probably because of
the country’s history, rarely react positively to humour at
the expense of themselves, their country, its system or anyone they
perceive to be at any sort of disadvantage. ‘Political correctness’
is considered desirable, however, they are friendly and informal
in personal terms – first names are generally used from the
outset.
Business hours are normally
0800 to 1600 hrs , with employees leaving their offices
promptly, to return home for middag (dinner), normally eaten at
around 1700 or 1800 hrs. However, an invitation to either dine out
or eat at the home of a business colleague will normally be scheduled
slightly later. Luncheon is not a Norwegian custom – they
take a short break for a snack at around 1100-1130 hrs. |
