Norway

1. Norway Matthew Kamieniecki 9:00 AM

2. Objectives and Overview • Jante Law and Egalitarianism • Women in business • Meets and Greets • Gift Giving • Dining Etiquette • Business Protocol • Summary

3. Jante Law and Egalitarianism • Jante Law • Aksel Sandemose • Be modest • Don’t ‘think big’ • The “shall not” tenets • Egalitarianism • Respect and interdependence • Honest and sincere

4. Women in Business • Very highly respected • Equal pay • Direct and skilled negotiators • Maternity leave • Stay home moms

5. Meeting and Greeting • Casual • First names only • Using surnames in some circumstances • Shaking hands and saying good-bye

6. Gift Giving • Flowers, chocolates, pastries, or wine • No wreaths, even at Christmas • Avoid gifts in even numbers • Houseplants and bouquets • Opened when received

7. Dining Etiquette • Verbal invitations • Confirm dress code with hosts • Do not discuss business • Continental dining • Do not begin until hostess starts • Most food is eaten with utensils • Toasts made during meal

8. Business Protocol • Important cultural attributes in Norway for business: • Informal styles • Individual interests • Transactional relationships • Direct communications

9. Business Protocol • Relationships and Communication • Do not need personal relationships to conduct business • Slow developing relationships built on trust • Informal business style • Direct communicators • Will say no; Straightforward • Body language is subtle

10. Business Meetings • Appointments are necessary • Arrive on time or preferably early • Avoid July and August, Christmas, and Easter • Informal meetings • Get right down to business • Charts, figures, and analysis • Leave time for questions and answers

11. Summary • Jante Law and Egalitarianism • Women are highly respected • Informal, casual meetings • Flowers make great gifts • Dining etiquette • Key attributes to Norwegian business • Straightforward and to the point • Necessary appointments