CULTURAL ASPECTS OF BUSINESS ON THE EXAMPLE OF

Norway (officially the Kingdom of Norway ) is a sovereign and unitary monarchy. Norway total area - 385,252 square kilometres Norway population - 5,213,985 (May 2016). Norway is bordered by Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Russia. From the north-west it is washed by the Norwegian Sea, in the north-east - the Barents Sea, and from the south - the North Sea. Capital and largest city – Oslo Official languages: Norwegian (main), Kven, Tavringer, Romani. Currency – Norwegian krone (NOK)

Cuisine Norway's culinary traditions show the influence of long seafaring and farming traditions with salmon, herring, trout, cod, and other sea food. Norwegian cuisine, traditionally, is based largely on the raw Norwegian materials. It differs in many aspects from its continental neighbours with a stronger focus on animal hunting (for sport or food) and fishing. Many of the traditional dishes are results of using conserved materials, due to the long winters. Seagull Eggs (and Beer) Rømmegrøt (Sour Cream Porridge)

Frokost (breakfast) The basic Norwegian breakfast consists of milk or fruit juice, coffee (or more rarely tea), and open sandwiches with meat cuts, cheese or jam. Cereals such as corn flakes, muesli and oatmeal are also popular, as is yogurt and pancakes. Norwegian pancakes look like burritos with jelly on top

Middag (Dinner) Norwegians usually eat dinner at around 4-5 p.m. This is the most important meal of the day and typically includes carbohydrate-rich foods such as potatoes and protein-rich foods such as meat or fish. LAPSCAUS Surströmming with potatoes and onion on *tunnbröd (looks like a pitta bread).

Kveldsmat (Supper) Norwegians usually eat supper at around 7-8 p.m. This may be some open bread sandwiches.

Architecture In the early Middle Ages, stave churches were constructed throughout Norway. Many of them remain to this day and represent Norway’s most important contribution to architectural history. A fine example is The Stave Church at Urnes which is now on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Art Kitty Kielland - Efter solnedgang (After sunset 1885) Edvard Munch «The Scream» Frits Thaulow (Landscape-painter)

Music Along with the classical and romantic music of Edvard Grieg and the modern music of Arne Nordheim, Norwegian black metal has become something of an export article in recent years. Norway has a strong folk music tradition that remains popular to this day. Among the most prominent folk musicians are for example Hardanger fiddlers: Andrea Een, Olav Jørgen Hegge, Vidar Lande, etc.; Hardanger fiddler

Norwegian folk dancing

Norway has a strictly egalitarian culture within which Jante Law is a pillar. According to Jante Law, values of humility, respect, simplicity and equality are a priority. Norwegian people are valued for their honesty, respect and goodness without any need to judge others on their professional standing. For anyone doing business in Norway, there is a distinct professional style. Norwegians respect openness, honesty and sincerity. And you must be willing to deal with the fact that Norwegians will take their time before making any business decision. Norwegians will only do business with those they trust.

Accommodation When it comes to accommodation, you can expect the high cost of living and high taxes, but don’t worry. Salaries are very competitive and the quality of life is exceptional. Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in.

Building good relationships When you are invited for a meal at a Norwegian home, you must always be punctual. It is also customary to bring a gift such as flowers, a houseplant, chocolates or wine. Table manners are formal and almost all food is eaten with a knife and fork. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts and if you wish to make a toast, avoid doing so using beer. And always reciprocate any invitation! It is good manners and a fast and the best way to make friends.

Bunad The bunad is a traditional Norwegian costume worn by both men and women. It can either come from established rural traditions or have a more modern design inspired by historical patterns and cuts. Traditionally bunads represented the family home and the area people came from. Today the bunad is worn for celebrations and special occasions (weddings, going to churches, etc.) The bunad, meaning ‘clothing’, is a fairly recent development in Norwegian culture from the old times.

Jante Law

Egalitarianism Norwegians view themselves as egalitarian people whose culture is based on democratic principles of respect and interdependence. They have simple tastes and are not prone to ostentation or excessive showiness. They pride themselves on being honest and sincere in their personal relationships.

Meeting and Greeting Greetings are casual, with a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile. Shake hands and say good-bye individually when arriving or departing. Shake hands with people on a first come.

Business Etiquette Informal style Individual interests Transactional relationships Direct communication

Negotiating Expect decisions to take time. Price is often the most important deciding factor. Norwegians do not generally give discounts, even to good customers or for large orders. Norwegians are detail oriented. Maintain eye contact while speaking. Negotiations are frank. It is important to be always in time and stick to deadlines. *If you do not, you will not be considered trustworthy, which will destroy the business relationship. New concepts should be shown as high quality, practical, and already market tested. Do not interrupt others while they are speaking.

Myths, Legends and Folktales Norway has a rich tradition of myths, legends and folk tales. In these stories we can meet all kinds of different Gods and supernatural beings such as trolls, gnomes, pixies, wood nymphs and water spirits. The stories also often involve kings, queens and beautiful princesses as well as ordinary young people who experience an exciting adventure.

Norwegians are known for their myths, legends and tales about the dragon Fafnir (which was killed by Sigurd), Selma (lake monster), collection of Norse legends ‘The Tyrfing Cycle’ and myphs about the great-grandson of Odin – Völsung. Lots of different Norwegian folktales you can also find and read here: http://oaks.nvg.org/norwegian-folktales.html.

The 10 Most Famous Things about Norway Fjords Whale Meat (and other kinds of fish) Skiing (winter sport in mountains) Elk and Reindeer Coffee (kokekaffe, or ‘steeped coffee’) Waffles Trolls (sculptures) The Midnight Sun Stave Churches Vikings

THE END