NorwayNorwayMatthew Kamieniecki9:00 AM

Objectives and OverviewObjectives and OverviewJante Law and EgalitarianismWomen in businessMeets and GreetsGift GivingDining EtiquetteBusiness ProtocolSummary

Jante Law and Jante Law and EgalitarianismEgalitarianismJante Law

◦Aksel Sandemose◦Be modest◦Don’t ‘think big’◦The “shall not” tenets

Egalitarianism ◦Respect and interdependence ◦Honest and sincere

Women in BusinessWomen in BusinessVery highly respectedEqual payDirect and skilled negotiatorsMaternity leave Stay home moms

Meeting and GreetingMeeting and GreetingCasualFirst names onlyUsing surnames in some

circumstancesShaking hands and saying good-

bye

Gift GivingGift GivingFlowers, chocolates, pastries, or

wineNo wreaths, even at ChristmasAvoid gifts in even numbersHouseplants and bouquetsOpened when received

Dining Etiquette Dining Etiquette Verbal invitationsConfirm dress code with hostsDo not discuss businessContinental dining Do not begin until hostess startsMost food is eaten with utensils Toasts made during meal

Business Protocol Business Protocol Important cultural

attributes in Norway for business:◦ Informal styles◦ Individual interests◦ Transactional

relationships◦ Direct

communications

Business Protocol 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

Business MeetingsBusiness MeetingsAppointments are

necessaryArrive on time or

preferably earlyAvoid July and

August, Christmas, and Easter

Informal meetingsGet right down to

businessCharts, figures, and

analysis Leave time for

questions and answers

SummarySummaryJante Law and EgalitarianismWomen are highly respectedInformal, casual meetingsFlowers make great giftsDining etiquetteKey attributes to Norwegian

businessStraightforward and to the pointNecessary appointments