acceptable during presentations. Jokes and casual conversation mix well with serious business discussions. But remember that because it is strongly culture-specific, humor often does not translate well. Self-deprecating humor is perhaps the least likely to offend. Business Entertaining Norwegians often invite visitors out for meals. Business entertaining is done at lunch or dinner, rarely over breakfast. Lunch meetings in the office are often casual affairs consisting of open-faced sandwiches. Consumption of alcohol during lunch is not usual in the office, and light in restaurants. You may invite your local counterpart to a restaurant for lunch or dinner. However, be ready to yield graciously to an invitation from the Norwegian side. The person who invites pays the bill. It is okay to discuss business during lunch. At a business dinner it is polite to wait for the host to bring up business matters. It is perfectly acceptable for a female business visitor to invite a male counterpart to dinner, and she will normally have no problem paying the bill. A woman alone will also feel comfortable in a restaurant or bar. Meeting after office hours for drinks is unusual in Norway. Social Etiquette It is not uncommon for business visitors to be invited to a local home for dinner. The matter of dress should be settled beforehand, since a formal dinner may involve a black tie or dinner jacket. Usually the suggested attire is informal - sports coat or blazer with tie. Punctuality is important in both business and social appointments. Be on time, although 5-10 minutes late is socially acceptable. If you are going to be more than 15 minutes late, call. Guests should wait at the door until invited to enter. It is polite to bring flowers, chocolates, or wine. Do not expect to be given a house tour. The areas that are open to you are the areas that are prepared for receiving guests. It is polite to start eating only after the host invites everyone to begin...
