Power relations, networking and time orientation in Russian-Norwegian business relations : identifying and overcoming cultural challenges

Abstract

The present thesis is an exploratory research where I identify areas where challenges may arise in Russian-Norwegian business cooperation when Norwegians carrying out business in Russia. Based on interviews, three main issues emerged: boss-subordinate relations, networking and time orientation. The focus of the thesis is how to deal with these differences and how to deal with the challenges that can be caused by them. Therefore, in this thesis I will discuss these three major issues in Russian and Norwegian business cultures and discover how the differences in boss-subordinate relations, networking (personal connections) and time orientation can be overcome. This thesis includes a practical investigation and theoretical description of the three main issues and ways of overcoming these through the adaptation process. This study can be useful for anyone interested in managerial practices in Norwegian companies established in Russia because my research provides insight into the differences between Russian and Norwegian managerial practices and how to deal with the connected challenges that arise between the two.