Cultural characteristics of the Russian-Norwegian business relationship in the seafood industry

Abstract

This study examines the cultural differences between Russia and Norway as a barrier for Norwegian seafood companies to do business with Russia. The main focus will be put on the role of personal relationships and personal contacts in the process of business exchange between Norway and Russia in the seafood market. Geert Hofstede's theory on cultural dimensions will be used as a main framework for data analysis. The present study attempts to employ theory on cultural dimensions to investigate the role of personal relationship in specific industry through culture specific perspective. Personal interviews with representatives of seafood industry in Norway become the source of information for the study.