The Norwegian meeting room is a peaceful place, a calm room where grandstanding and chest-pounding is greatly discouraged.
Even aggressive hand motions are not recommended here!
This was tough for an American. I, am after, all more used to unfurling my feathers, much like a peacock, across the conference room table to make my point.
However, in Norway, you don’t see much peacocking in the meeting room. The scene is more similar to a flock of extremely polite songbirds chirping in agreement. You can perhaps thank Janteloven (the Law of Jante) for this.
Conversations are structured and well balanced between the participants, with no single participant getting a larger share of the agenda. This happens regardless of seniority in the organization.
In the flat hierarchy of the Norwegian organization, everyone has equal say. A good Norwegian boss will try to guide the conversion and let the participants work it out among themselves so it is common for them to survey the room to ask if anyone has additional thoughts on a subject. Given Norwegians’ shy nature, they almost never do – or at least they feel their potentially disruptive thoughts are not worth sharing.
Meetings in Norway start exactly on time as Norwegians value punctuality. To keep a meeting attendee waiting is considered a great disrespect. Those who deliver work on time and show up for meetings on time earn extra prestige in the workplace. At the same time, arriving early to a meeting is also discouraged as this can create additional stress for the meeting host entertaining you until the meeting starts or other participants are ready.
In Norway meetings also end exactly on time and typically not a second later. This hard stop gives Norwegians a much needed exit from the room, which of course helps them avoid one of their greatest fears: having to make small talk. When the meeting ends everyone quickly shuffles out of the room. You don’t linger, there is no smooth transition from meeting discussions to small talk. You sort of just look at your shoes and slink towards the exit.
In general it’s not appropriate to talk about one’s private life during meetings in Norway. This should be avoided. From personal experience, I can recommend not over-sharing about your complicated love life, that time you drank excessively and did something ridiculous, or your views on religion and politics in general. Any of those are likely to create discomfort with the meeting participants. Meetings are strictly business affairs.
It’s important you understand Norwegian meeting room culture as you do business here. That’s because in Norway you’re going to have a lot of meetings.
Sometimes you have a meeting to plan the next meeting.
While working in Norway you’re going to want to sleep withNorwegians, and that’s perfectly alright! After all, Norway’s greatest importer of foreigners is not through immigration or job placements, but through love itself. And there is no shortage of ridiculously good-looking people to fall in love with here, even if that’s just for one night.
If you are however lucky enough to sleep with a Norwegian, or two, or twelve during your business adventures, there’s a few social norms to understand. The first is that casual sex is fairly prevalent both in Norway and throughout the Nordics. So slow down there, tiger, and try to avoid falling too head over heels in love after just a single hot night under the sheets. There’s a high likelihood that the experience, as passionate as it might have been, is taken less seriously by your Norwegian partner. In the case of sleeping with coworkers and then sitting across from them at the meeting room table the next day at work don’t be too surprised if their demeanor has switched right back to work mode. That may have been a one-time performance. Unless of course, you get lucky again at next year’s Julebord when you’re both enjoying yourself a little too much. Still, when the moment has passed don’t be too surprised if it’s never mentioned again.
After spending enough time in Norway you might start to feel like time moves just a little slower here.
Everyone and everything from planes to trains are on time, almost exactly on time in fact.
Work is always delivered on time or as agreed upon.
To not follow through on your word can cause you to lose trust in Norway.
However, everything else just seems to take a little bit longer. The pace is noticeably subdued, and that’s exactly how Norwegians like it.
To rush something or haphazardly finish work is not the norm. To take an unnecessary shortcut to speed things up doesn’t really happen here. Things get done when they get done. This doesn’t help much when trying to do business deals with Norwegians. I soon learned how to operate on a whole new time scale:
One of my most jarring experiences doing business in Norway was when I first encountered the Law of Jante, or Janteloven. While discussing why a Norwegian business was not excelling, a colleague of mine simply shrugged their shoulders and proclaimed “Well, you know, Law of Jante”. Jante?
What is Janteloven? The Law of Jante in Norway - Working With Norwegians
What was Janteloven?
He sat me down for an hour and laid out a cultural anomaly that colored how almost every Norwegian (and more broadly Scandinavians) operate, both in business and in life. The Law of Jante is a social concept created by Danish / Norwegian author Aksel Sandemose in his 1933 book A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks. You may be familiar with a similar concept used in other parts of the world called “Tall Poppy Syndrome”.
In Janteloven, individual success is discouraged and, in many cases, considered inappropriate. Instead, society encourages the good of the collective over any one individual. This has shaped Scandinavian culture over many years and helped to create the peaceful, modest, and homogenous society of today.
The Law of Jante
You’re not to think you are anything special.
You’re not to think you are as good as we are.
You’re not to think you are smarter than we are.
You’re not to imagine yourself better than we are.
You’re not to think you know more than we do.
You’re not to think you are more important than we are.
You’re not to think you are good at anything.
You’re not to laugh at us.
You’re not to think anyone cares about you.
You’re not to think you can teach us anything.
The Rules and Laws of Janteloven
About Janteloven
Janteloven is a social concept that originated in Denmark and was popularized in Norway. It is a set of unwritten social rules that emphasize the importance of modesty, equality, and avoiding standing out or showing off. The term Janteloven translates to “the law of Jante” and is named after a fictional town called Jante in a novel by Danish author Aksel Sandemose.
The concept of Janteloven has both positive and negative aspects. On the one hand, it promotes a sense of community and discourages arrogance or excessive self-promotion. It emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and avoiding the kind of self-centered behavior that can damage social relationships. This can be seen as a positive force for social cohesion and harmony.
However, the downside of Janteloven is that it can also discourage ambition, innovation, and individuality. In its strictest interpretation, Janteloven can lead to a culture of conformity and discourage people from pursuing their goals or expressing their unique qualities. This can limit creativity and stifle progress, as people may be hesitant to take risks or challenge the status quo.
Janteloven can also create a sense of insecurity and a fear of being judged or criticized by others. It can be difficult for individuals to stand out or pursue their own path without feeling like they are violating the social norms of Janteloven. This can lead to a lack of confidence and a sense of self-doubt, which can be detrimental to personal growth and development.
Despite its limitations, Janteloven continues to play a role in Scandinavian culture and society. It is often seen as a reflection of the values of social democracy, emphasizing the importance of collective welfare and social equality. It is also a reminder that success should not come at the expense of others and that everyone deserves respect and dignity, regardless of their achievements or status.
In recent years, there has been some pushback against the strict interpretation of Janteloven, with some arguing that it can be too limiting and discouraging for individuals. This has led to a more nuanced approach, where the positive aspects of Janteloven are emphasized while still allowing for individuality and ambition.
In conclusion, Janteloven is a complex and multifaceted social concept that has both positive and negative aspects. While it can promote social cohesion and discourage arrogance, it can also limit creativity and discourage individuality. It is important to find a balance between the positive and negative aspects of Janteloven and to encourage both collective welfare and personal growth and development.
Janteloven Book
One of the most famous books that explores Janteloven is “A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks” by Aksel Sandemose. Sandemose was a Danish-Norwegian writer who explored the theme of Janteloven in many of his works. “A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks” is a semi-autobiographical novel that tells the story of Espen Arnakke, a young man who leaves his small town to seek his fortune in the big city.
Throughout the novel, Espen struggles to reconcile his desire for success and recognition with the cultural norms of Janteloven. He finds that his ambition and individualism are not always welcome in the small town where he grew up, and he struggles to fit in with the collective mindset of his community.
The novel explores many themes related to Janteloven, including the tension between individualism and community, the role of humility in social relationships, and the importance of conformity in Scandinavian culture. The characters in the novel are portrayed as complex and multi-dimensional, with their own struggles and desires that are often at odds with the expectations of their community.
Criticism and Contemporary Interpretations
The Law of Jante has its fair share of critics who argue that it stifles individualism, creativity, and personal ambition. Some believe that Janteloven can lead to a culture of mediocrity by discouraging people from striving for excellence or standing out from the crowd. Critics contend that the principles of Jante can hinder economic growth and innovation by suppressing individual talents and aspirations.
However, proponents of Janteloven argue that it fosters a sense of community, shared responsibility, and humility. The focus on equality and social welfare has contributed to Scandinavian countries consistently ranking among the world’s happiest nations. The Law of Jante can be seen as a counterbalance to the individualism and materialism that pervade other cultures.
Janteloven in Modern Day Norway
Despite its criticisms, Janteloven continues to be present in modern-day Norway. In some ways, the phenomenon has evolved with the times. While the principles of humility and egalitarianism are still highly valued, there is a greater acceptance of individualism and ambition in modern Norway. Many Norwegians are now proud of their country’s achievements and their own personal successes, which would have been discouraged under the strict interpretation of Janteloven.
In fact, some Norwegians have taken Janteloven and turned it into a positive force for change. For example, the “Ja til Mer!” (“Yes to More!”) movement has emerged as a way to challenge the restrictive aspects of Janteloven and encourage Norwegians to pursue their dreams and ambitions. The movement has gained a following among young people, who are eager to challenge the status quo and create a more open and dynamic society.
At the same time, Janteloven remains deeply ingrained in Norwegian culture, particularly in more traditional and rural areas. The phenomenon can still be seen in everyday interactions, where people tend to be modest and reserved about their achievements. For example, it is considered impolite to boast or show off, and people often downplay their own accomplishments.
Overall, Janteloven continues to be a complex and evolving cultural phenomenon in modern-day Norway. While its principles of humility and egalitarianism are still highly valued, there is a greater acceptance of individualism and ambition. At the same time, the phenomenon remains deeply ingrained in Norwegian culture, particularly in more traditional and rural areas. As Norway continues to evolve and change, it will be interesting to see how Janteloven adapts to the times and how it will continue to shape Norwegian society in the years to come.
Janteloven in Scandinavian Society
The Law of Jante has shaped the social fabric and values of Scandinavian countries, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The concept’s influence can be observed in various aspects of Scandinavian society, such as work culture, education, and politics.
Work Culture: The Law of Jante promotes a sense of equality and cooperation in the workplace. Scandinavian work culture is characterized by a flat hierarchy, where managers and employees work closely together and contribute to decision-making processes. The emphasis on teamwork and collaboration is a reflection of the Jante values, which discourage individual competition and self-promotion.
Education: The educational system in Scandinavian countries embodies the principles of Janteloven by emphasizing equality and inclusiveness. Schools focus on fostering a sense of community and teamwork among students, rather than highlighting individual achievements. This approach nurtures a strong sense of social responsibility and empathy among children, preparing them to be conscientious citizens.
Politics: The political landscape in Scandinavia reflects Janteloven values as well. Policies such as universal healthcare, free education, and robust social welfare systems are designed to promote equality and a high standard of living for all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Janteloven Pronunciation
The pronunciation of Janteloven is relatively straightforward for English speakers, with the emphasis on the second syllable and the final “n” pronounced as a “v.” It is important to note, however, that Janteloven is more than just a word; it represents a cultural and societal value system that can take time to fully understand and integrate into one’s behavior.
How does Janteloven affect business competitiveness?
The Law of Jante also adds a unique angle when it comes to being competitive in business in Norway. You’re likely to find there’s actually not much competition in just about every industry. Consumers usually have some choice, but not an overwhelming degree as is often found in other markets. For example, there are typically about two real options for any product. Often those limited options are even owned by the same company, so it’s more of an artificial choice. You’ll find a lot of monopolies in Norway.
In fact, Norwegians really don’t mind monopolies at all. Even their state-run wine store is called the Vinmonopolet, or the Wine Monopoly. They literally have so little shame about it being a monopoly they put it right in the name! You see, often Norwegians don’t understand that this is counter to how the majority of other business markets work. Monopolies are usually considered bad for business. To the Norwegians it’s just more efficient to have a single provider who does a good enough job. They prefer this to many competing producers who have to constantly one-up each other. The Law of Jante strikes again.
Dig a little deeper and you see even more of the Janteloven in advertising. This makes it especially tough to advertise and sell your product. How will a consumer know your offering is better if you can’t directly tell them so? Many of the tried-and-true advertising techniques found in Western markets simply don’t work in Norway. Those play on the emotions of envy, greed, and even fear. In Norway, you’ll need to focus on other attributes in your advertising instead. You have to talk about the quality of your product and point out that those who use it are content but not exuberantly happy. You cannot say that your product is better than others nor that buying your product will make your consumers better people. Instead tell them or show them that the consumer will be made content. Your product is good, but never exceptionally better than others. If a Norwegian describes your business or product as “nice” it means it’s probably going to be a massive success.
Janteloven in Advertising
Bad-mouthing competitors, be it in advertising or even private meetings, is also highly discouraged.
To truly respect the Janteloven in your business advertising you need to do one very specific thing: have other people say why you’re the best or your product is superior. CEOs shouldn’t stand up and claim superiority but instead they should focus on getting all of Norway to say that the product is acceptably good. Word-of-mouth marketing is everything in Norway. For example, the typical Norwegian will be highly skeptical of you and working with you until their friends or family have first validated your offering. Once that happens, Norwegians begin to build trust and are open to engage with something new. Otherwise, there is little risk tolerance in Norway and that is especially true if that product or a person claims to be better. However, if just a handful of Norwegians speak highly of something, news tends to spread very fast. That’s one of the advantages of working in a small country.
How does Jante Law impact setting expectations in Norway?
When it comes to Norwegian business culture and the Law of Jante, I have found one thing to be universally true: Norwegians will always set expectations fairly low. They will almost always exceed those expectations, but it’s important not to over-promise anything or promise things you know you will not manage to do. Remember: you are good at what you do, but you are not to be exceedingly better than others. In Norwegian business it’s actually significantly more important that you follow through on what you say you’ll do versus boldly promising amazing results. In other words: don’t be too American and you’ll be just fine.
The modern Norwegian corporate office is a thing of beauty. Imagine a vista of sensible floor plans along with that slick Scandinavian furniture in a workplace that is as efficient as the Norwegians that occupy it. Open spaces, calm colors, exposed wood and great coffee machines with touch screens make them a worker’s paradise.
Like many things in Norway, much thought is put into the office design and overall experience. You won’t find many dark, lifeless offices like you find throughout the world. Instead you’ll find big open windows with amazing views. Even when the Norwegian worker is at the office it’s important their precious nature is still within reach or at least within view.
You won’t find many mazes of endless cubicles nor will you find many private offices. This isn’t America where one’s office sends a clear signal of your status in the company. The American executive often dreams of obtaining the coveted corner office as the ultimate symbol of status. Sometimes this even goes as far as putting the executive’s office on a higher floor and overlooking the rank-and-file, lower-level employees. That is of course so they can easily survey their domain and loyal subjects. It also creates a very clear distinction of where one sits in the multi layered hierarchy of the American office place. This is less important in the flat hierarchy of Norwegian companies where they go to great lengths to avoid such perceptions of inequality.
In addition to this equality there’s a calm and peace found inside the Norwegian office. However, if you ever want to cause pandemonium within these walls I recommend this one simple trick: go around and ask every single person “How are you doing!?” when you arrive in the morning. This type of pleasantry might be common in other work cultures but not so much in Norway. Instead it’s more common for workers to arrive at their desk and not speak to a single soul. Norwegians are also notoriously awful making small talk as well. So if you ask how they are doing, they might even take you seriously and start telling you about all sorts of random personal issues!
For many Norwegianswork-life balance is incredibly important.
With a heavier emphasis on the life balance part.
The ideal Norwegian maintains a delicate balance in his or her life, optimizing both for efficiency but also optimal relaxation time. This is best described as working to live, and not living to work. So greater joy is taken in say getting to the ski slopes, or just enjoying a quiet evening at homes with some candles lit than say working extra hours to advance in the workplace.
This sometimes causes Norwegians to be perceived as lazy, which is not entirely accurate. You don’t often meet many lazy cultures who enjoy 4-hour mountain hikes and many other types of physical punishment such as cross country skiing.
In truth, the modern Norwegian is actually highly efficient in the workplace. That makes it easier for them to put the work aside at the end of the day and get back to enjoying life. They also take great pride in their work so even if it takes longer to accomplish that perfectly alright.
Every weekday morning a highly competitive sporting event takes place in Oslo.
It’s not a marathon or football game.
It’s not even a real sporting event to be honest.
You’ve no doubt heard of the bike race the Tour de France but please let me introduce to the Norwegian version: The Tour De Finance.
It takes place every morning as the Norwegian corporate foot soldiers living in the suburbs (Bærum) make their way on bicycle into the Oslo city center. Here on the urban grid of streets and bike paths, the Norwegian worker has the chance to do something that’s more difficult to do within the office walls. That is to aggressively compete with their coworkers and perhaps a few business competitors.
When physical activity is involved then it’s OK to be really competitive in Norway.
When you move to Norway as a foreigner there’s one question you’ll be asked often. That of course is “Why Norway?”.
Usually, that’s also followed by “And do you plan to stay?”
So much for feeling welcome.
These questions can easily be as jarring as the culture shock us foreigners sometimes experience in Norway. I don’t completely understand why Norwegians often ask such questions. These questions are usually the first or second thing they ask you! So to help my fellow foreigners better answer this question I’ve assembled this list of possible (albeit somewhat sarcastic) answers. I hope it helps.
I’m here for the amazing weather!
I’m here for a girl.
I’m here for a boy.
I’m here for a girl who used to be a boy.
I just want to be closer to your beloved fjords.
I thought it might be fun to double my tax liability in this wonderful country.
I’m hoping to get on your nice welfare system and ride that out for as long as possible.
After living in a place with sun for so many years I kind of got sick of it, to be honest.
I’m hiding in the one place no one would ever care to look.
I was tired of the corporate rat race at home so I moved to a place where no one works too hard.
The apex of Norwegian drinking culture, at least as it pertains to the workplace, is Julebord, or the Christmas party. A year’s worth of pent up work frustrations is released on this glorious night. It’s a bit of a fancy night, at least fancier than a typical Norwegian event. Often taking place in a luxury hotel or other fine establishment, this is one night of the year when it’s ok to indulge a little (more like a lot). You’ve almost made it through the brutal winter so perhaps you’ve earned it after all.
Before you join a Norwegian work Julebord there are a few rules to live by. Let’s go through them.
Norwegian men should dust off the suits and ties they never wear for this evening. It’s expected you’ll look a little nice tonight.
Norwegian women also get a little fancy and even wear stiletto heels. This is not a sight you often see in Norway as it’s not so easy to traverse snowy streets in such footwear.
This is the night to share feedback with your colleagues, good or bad. The alcohol will help you muster up the courage to do so.
If you have romantic feelings for a colleague now is the time to let them know. Once again the alcohol should help.
It’s perfectly OK to sleep with your boss that night, even if he or she is married!
The same rules that apply to Las Vegas apply to Julebord. So what happens at the Julebord stays at the Julebord. Don’t make your coworkers uncomfortable by discussing the night’s events the next day. Or ever again really.
For foreigners, this is a night to celebrate and strengthen your relationship with your Norwegian colleagues. It’s one of the few evenings when this is easy to do. For the Norwegians out there please check in on your foreign workers to ensure they are not overwhelmed. They will not be used to seeing such an overly social experience in Norway. Hand them a shot of aquavit and help them sing along on this wonderful night.
God Jul!
More about a Norwegian Julebord
The Norwegian Julebord, a festive and cherished tradition, is a culinary celebration that marks the joyous holiday season. Rooted in centuries-old customs, this communal feast is a testament to the warmth of Norwegian hospitality and the rich cultural tapestry that defines the country’s festive spirit.
Understanding Julebord: A Culinary Extravaganza
Defining Julebord
Julebord, translating to “Christmas table” in English, is a grand feast that typically takes place in the weeks leading up to Christmas. It is a time when colleagues, friends, and families come together to indulge in a lavish spread of traditional Norwegian dishes, fostering a sense of unity and festive camaraderie.
The Culinary Palette of Julebord
Classic Norwegian Flavors
Rakfisk and Lutefisk: Julebord often features traditional dishes such as rakfisk (fermented fish) and lutefisk (dried fish rehydrated in a lye solution). These unique delicacies add a distinctive touch to the festive spread.
Ribbe and Pinnekjøtt: Roasted pork rib (ribbe) and steamed lamb ribs (pinnekjøtt) are staple main courses, showcasing the diversity of Norwegian holiday cuisine.
Leverpostei and Julepølse: Liver pâté (leverpostei) and Christmas sausages (julepølse) are delectable appetizers that contribute to the rich tapestry of flavors during Julebord.
The Festive Setting: Atmosphere and Decor
Decorative Splendor
Julebord venues are adorned with festive decorations, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Traditional Christmas colors, candles, and ornaments contribute to the magical atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.
Live Music and Entertainment
Many Julebord celebrations include live music and entertainment, adding a lively and joyful element to the festivities. Dancing and merriment become integral components of the experience, making Julebord a truly immersive celebration.
The Social Significance of Julebord
Strengthening Bonds
Julebord goes beyond being a mere culinary event; it’s a time for building and strengthening personal and professional relationships. Colleagues share stories, friends toast to the year gone by, and families come together to create lasting memories.
Corporate and Family Traditions
While companies host Julebord for their employees, families also have their private celebrations. These gatherings reinforce the importance of togetherness and provide a platform for expressing gratitude and goodwill.
Conclusion
As you embark on the journey of a Norwegian Julebord, you are not just partaking in a festive meal; you are immersing yourself in a cultural experience that reflects the heart and soul of Norway’s holiday traditions. The flavors, the atmosphere, and the camaraderie come together to make Julebord an integral and cherished part of the Norwegian Christmas season. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, dive into the magic of Julebord and savor the essence of a Norwegian Christmas celebration.
More Norwegian Christmas Food
Embrace the enchanting Yuletide spirit with a journey through Norway’s Christmas culinary wonders. Our curated category brings you a delectable assortment of festive delights, from traditional main courses to decadent desserts that define the holiday season in Norway. Explore the rich tapestry of flavors and time-honored recipes that make Norwegian Christmas cuisine a true feast for the senses. Let the aromatic allure and cultural significance of these festive dishes transport you to the heart of Scandinavian holiday traditions. Indulge in the joy of Christmas with our handpicked selection of Norwegian Christmas food, where every bite tells a story steeped in tradition and love.
