Mind the Culture Gap

Cultural Fit is Market Fit

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Norwegian Business Culture

Norwegian business culture may differ significantly from what you're used to. This page offers a general overview to help you understand how business is done in Norway

The Case for Differentiated E-Commerce

Operational-Level Decisions

These are often based on discount structures. Since etailers may carry competing brands, a differentiated e-commerce strategy is worth considering

Decision Making in the Middle

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Tactical Level Decisions
Tactical decisions link strategy and operations. It’s a challenging middle-ground role, often requiring consensus in larger organizations

The Norwegian Way of Strategy

Strategic Decisions
Strategic decisions set long-term direction. In Norway, even smaller firms often rely on consensus, reflecting a collaborative leadership culture

The Legacy of Oil & Gas in Workplace Culture

HSEQ in Norway
Health, safety, environment, and quality (HMSQ) are deeply rooted in Norwegian business culture. This stems from the oil and gas sector’s long-standing tradition of systematic and disciplined work practices

Gender Balance in Norwegian Board Rooms

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Gender balance
As of January 2024, large private limited companies in Norway (AS) must meet gender balance requirements on their boards. This applies to firms with over 30 employees and more than NOK 50 million in revenue or assets, with gradual implementation through 2028

Ownership Culture in Norway

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Employee Equity in Norway
Due to labor shortages, offering employees equity has become a common way to attract and keep top talent in Norway

Norway’s Knowledge Driven Workforce

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Education in Norway
Norway’s workforce is highly educated, with many roles requiring advanced degrees—a trend often called “master’s disease.”

Legal Transparency in Business

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The Transparency Act

In force since July 2022, Norway’s Transparency Act requires large companies to report on human rights and working conditions in their supply chains

Equal Pay Starts with Transparency

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Wage Transparency in Norway
Employees in Norway have access to wage data across sectors and genders. In 2024, the average annual salary was NOK 704,700

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Business with a Climate Conscience

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Sustainability Focus in Norway
Norwegian companies prioritize environmentally friendly technologies, sustainable practices, and CO₂-neutral solutions as part of their core business strategy

Record-High Disability Support

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Disability Benefits in Norway
As of 2024, 10.5% of Norwegians aged 18–67 receive disability benefits. This is the highest rate recorded, with 2.7% of young adults (18–29) also receiving support

Work to Live – The Norwegian Way

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Work-Life Balance in Norway
Norway offers strong conditions for work-life balance. The system is designed to give employees time for family, leisure, and well-being, with supportive policies and a culture that values life outside work