Norwegian Values at Work

Before diving into the day-to-day realities of Norwegian workplaces, it's essential to understand the foundational values that shape everything from how meetings are run to how deals are closed.

Norwegian business culture doesn't exist in a vacuum—it's built upon centuries of history, periods of hardship, and a collective commitment to equality that permeates every aspect of society. Understanding these values isn't just academic; it's the key to unlocking successful professional relationships in Norway.

The Four Pillars of Norwegian Business Values

In this section, we'll explore four fundamental aspects of Norwegian work culture that every foreigner should understand:

Why Understanding These Values Matters

I learned the hard way that you can't simply import business practices from another culture and expect them to work in Norway. The strategies that made me successful in Silicon Valley—aggressive deal-making, personal branding, competitive positioning—often backfired spectacularly here.

The Norwegian workplace operates on a different set of assumptions about what makes a good employee, a successful company, and a meaningful career. These assumptions are deeply rooted in cultural values that have evolved over generations.

"The Norwegian is, yes, highly time efficient with their daily routines. Making deals and large advancements in business still take a great deal longer than it does in other business cultures."

What You'll Learn

In the following chapters, you'll discover:

• •Why Norwegians set expectations low—and how this affects negotiations
• •How work-life balance impacts everything from meeting schedules to deal timelines
• •Why ethics isn't just a nice-to-have but a fundamental business requirement
• •The paradox of Norwegian competitiveness and when it's okay to compete

Ready to dive deeper? Start with The Law of Jante in Business—it's perhaps the single most important concept for understanding Norwegian culture.