Business
Business Etiquette
Meetings are normally arranged from 0800 in offices, alternatively in restaurants for early afternoon appointments. Visitors should always be punctual (neither early or late) and wear either a suit or a jacket and tie, even though Norwegians are generally pretty informal in their dress. If a late-morning meeting is arranged, it is good practice to issue a lunch invitation – whoever extends the invitation usually pays for the meal. Traditionally, lunch is a light snack, but in a business context, it may involve a more substantial meal.
English is widely spoken, as is some French and German, and in the business community, the English is generally of a very high standard. Normal business hours are 0800 to 1600, with employees leaving their offices promptly to return home for middag (dinner), eaten at around 1700. However, an invitation to either dine out or eat at the home of a business colleague will often be scheduled slightly later. Criticism of, or jokes about peoples, cultures or systems should generally be avoided as many Norwegians pride themselves on their ‘political correctness’.
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