The concept of Janteloven, or ‘the Law of Jante’, is a pervasive cultural phenomenon in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway. While not a formal legal code, it is a set of social rules that dictates behaviour and self-perception, emphasizing collectivism and modesty over individual success and ambition. Understanding Janteloven is crucial for anyone seeking to integrate into Norwegian society, especially within the professional sphere. Its subtle influence can shape interactions, career progression, and overall workplace dynamics.
Janteloven originated from the Danish-Norwegian author Aksel Sandemose’s 1933 novel, A Fugitive Crosses His Tracks (En flyktning krysser sitt spor). The fictional town of Jante, where the protagonist grew up, was governed by a strict, unwritten code that stifled individual expression and ambition. Sandemose articulated these unwritten rules into ten commandments, which have since become a touchstone for understanding Scandinavian social norms. Start your 1-to-1 private Norwegian class today.
The Ten Commandments of Jante
These ten rules collectively form the core of Janteloven, highlighting the societal expectation to conform and not stand out. They are:
- You shall not think that you are something. This commandment directly discourages arrogance and self-importance. Individuals are expected to maintain a humble demeanour, regardless of their achievements or status.
- You shall not think that you are as good as we are. This rule reinforces the idea of collective equality. No one individual is to be considered superior to the group.
- You shall not think that you are smarter than we are. Intellect, like other attributes, should not be flaunted. Perceived intelligence should not elevate an individual above their peers.
- You shall not imagine yourself better than we are. This is a broader reiteration of the collective spirit, discouraging any form of individual superiority complex.
- You shall not think that you know more than we do. Expertise, while valued, should not be presented in a way that diminishes the knowledge or understanding of others.
- You shall not think that you are more important than we are. Individual roles within a team or organisation are seen as equally valuable, and no single person should perceive their contribution as more significant.
- You shall not think that you are good at anything. This rule, perhaps the most critical for career progression, discourages overt self-praise or boasting about one’s abilities.
- You shall not laugh at us. This refers to not making fun of the community or its members, suggesting a deeper expectation of respecting shared values and norms.
- You shall not think that anyone cares about you. This rule can be interpreted as discouraging an expectation of special treatment or undue attention.
- You shall not think that you can teach us anything. This commandment underscores a collective resistance to unsolicited advice or perceived condescension from others.
While Sandemose’s portrayal was critical of these stifling norms, the rules have nonetheless become a commonly referenced framework for describing aspects of Norwegian, and indeed broader Scandinavian, culture. They function as a cultural mirror, reflecting inherent societal expectations.
Janteloven in the Norwegian Workplace
The impact of Janteloven on the Norwegian workplace is profound, shaping everything from leadership styles to team dynamics and career progression. It often manifests as a subtle undercurrent, influencing unspoken rules of engagement.
Flat Hierarchies and Consensus-Oriented Decision Making
Norwegian workplaces are typically characterised by relatively flat hierarchies. Unlike more traditionally structured organisations, there is often less emphasis on formal titles and more on collaboration. This aligns directly with Janteloven‘s principles, as it discourages any single individual from holding excessive authority or perceived superiority.
- Managerial Style: Managers in Norway often adopt a facilitating rather than a directive role. Their leadership style is more akin to a guide or a coach, seeking input and consensus from their teams. This contrasts sharply with hierarchical models where managers issue commands and expect unquestioning obedience.
- Decision-Making Process: Decisions are frequently made through a consensus-building approach. Employees are often encouraged to contribute ideas and express their opinions, fostering a sense of shared ownership and responsibility. This process can be slower than in more individualistic cultures, but it aims to ensure broad acceptance and commitment to the final decision. This is a direct manifestation of “You shall not think that you know more than we do” and “You shall not think that you are smarter than we are.”
The Paradox of Modesty and Achievement
One of the most challenging aspects of Janteloven for foreigners is navigating the expectation of modesty while simultaneously being expected to perform and achieve. In a professional context, demonstrating competence and value is essential for career advancement, yet overt self-promotion is often frowned upon.
- Self-Promotion vs. Humility: Directly advertising one’s achievements or skills can be perceived as boastful or arrogant, violating the ‘You shall not think that you are good at anything’ rule. This can create a delicate balancing act for individuals accustomed to more open self-advocacy.
- Recognition and Praise: Open displays of individual recognition or praise, particularly public acknowledgment of exceptional individual performance, are less common than in some other cultures. While appreciation is certainly present, it is often expressed more subtly or directed towards team effort rather than individual brilliance. This is in line with “You shall not think that you are more important than we are.”
- Feedback Culture: Feedback, when given, tends to be constructive and focused on collective improvement rather than singling out individual shortcomings or exceptional strengths. Direct criticism, especially in a group setting, is generally avoided as it might cause an individual to ‘lose face’ or feel singled out.
Navigating the Unwritten Rules for Career Success
For individuals new to the Norwegian workplace, understanding these unwritten rules is paramount to professional integration and career success. It requires a significant degree of cultural adaptability.
Effective Communication Strategies
Communication in a Janteloven-influenced environment requires nuance and an understanding of implicit cues.
- Indirect Communication: Norwegians often favour indirect communication, particularly when addressing sensitive topics or providing feedback. While directness is valued in many business cultures, over-assertiveness can be misinterpreted as arrogance.
- Understatement: Employing understatement when discussing personal achievements or capabilities is often preferred. Rather than declaring oneself an expert, one might say, “I have some experience in that area.”
- Active Listening: Demonstrating active listening and valuing the input of others is crucial. This shows respect for the collective and reinforces the idea that everyone’s contribution is valuable, aligning with “You shall not think that you know more than we do.”
Teamwork and Collaboration
Collaboration is not just a buzzword in Norwegian workplaces; it is often the default mode of operation. Individuals are expected to be team players above all else.
- Shared Responsibility: Projects are frequently approached with a strong emphasis on shared responsibility. Individual contributions are seen as part of a larger collective effort.
- Egalitarian Approach: An egalitarian approach to tasks is common. Even senior members of a team might perform tasks that would be delegated to more junior staff in other cultures, reinforcing the idea that no task is beneath anyone.
- Avoiding the Spotlight: While contributing effectively, it is generally advised to avoid aggressively seeking the spotlight for individual accomplishments. Instead, focus on how your contributions benefited the team. This resonates with “You shall not think that you are something.”
Janteloven’s Impact on Innovation and Entrepreneurship
While Janteloven is often viewed as a restrictive force, its influence on innovation and entrepreneurship is complex and not entirely negative. While it may discourage overt risk-taking and individualistic ambition, it also fosters a culture of collaboration and thoroughness.
Challenges to Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Risk Aversion: The desire to not stand out or fail publicly can lead to a degree of risk aversion, potentially hindering radical innovation where failure is often a prerequisite for success.
- Difficulty in Self-Promotion: Start-ups and entrepreneurs in particular rely on effectively communicating their unique value proposition. Navigating the Janteloven while simultaneously marketing an innovative product or service can be a delicate balance. The need to avoid boasting can make it harder to attract investment or showcase groundbreaking achievements.
Benefits for Innovation
- Collaborative Innovation: The emphasis on teamwork and consensus can lead to highly collaborative innovation processes. Ideas are often refined through collective input, potentially leading to more robust and well-vetted solutions.
- Focus on Quality and Practicality: The collective approach often directs innovation towards solutions that benefit the broader community or address practical needs, rather than purely individualistic or speculative ventures. This aligns with a pragmatic and grounded approach.
- Strong Social Safety Net: Norway’s robust social welfare system, while not directly Janteloven, often works in parallel. It can mitigate some of the financial risks associated with entrepreneurship, paradoxically creating a safety net that allows for calculated risks despite the cultural pressure for modesty.
Adapting to Janteloven: Strategies for Professionals
| Aspect | Description | Impact on Workplace | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janteloven Principle | A cultural code discouraging individual boasting and emphasising collective success. | Promotes humility and teamwork, discourages overt self-promotion. | Employees avoid highlighting personal achievements excessively. |
| Communication Style | Indirect and modest communication preferred over assertive or boastful speech. | Encourages respectful dialogue and equal participation. | Colleagues give credit to the team rather than themselves. |
| Leadership Approach | Leaders expected to be approachable and down-to-earth. | Leads to flat hierarchies and collaborative decision-making. | Managers seek input from all team members before decisions. |
| Employee Recognition | Recognition is often subtle and collective rather than individual. | May reduce competition but can limit personal motivation. | Team achievements celebrated more than individual awards. |
| Workplace Equality | Strong emphasis on equal treatment and avoiding standing out. | Fosters inclusive environment but may suppress innovation. | Equal workload distribution and shared responsibilities. |
For professionals, particularly those from cultures celebrating individual achievement and outspoken ambition, adapting to Janteloven requires conscious effort and strategic adjustments. It is not about suppressing your identity but understanding how to present yourself effectively within a different cultural context.
Building Relationships and Trust
- Informal Networking: Building relationships often occurs through informal channels and social interactions. Participating in social events, coffee breaks, and demonstrating a friendly, non-hierarchical attitude can be very effective.
- Reliability and Consistency: Proving oneself through consistent, reliable work and a collaborative spirit is often more valued than flashy presentations of success. Being a dependable team member earns respect.
- Modesty in Achievement: When discussing accomplishments, frame them in terms of team success or the benefit to the organisation, rather than solely focusing on your individual contribution. For example, instead of “I achieved X,” try “Our team achieved X, and I was happy to contribute by doing Y.”
Interview Preparation and Job Search
When applying for jobs in Norway, understanding how to present yourself within the context of Janteloven is crucial, especially in interviews.
- Highlighting Teamwork: In your CV and during interviews, emphasise your ability to work effectively in a team, your collaborative spirit, and how you contribute to collective goals. Provide examples of successful teamwork.
- Subtle Self-Promotion: When discussing your skills and achievements, do so factually and without hyperbole. Focus on the impact of your work rather than simply stating your greatness. For instance, rather than “I am the best at X,” say “My experience in X allowed me to achieve Y, which resulted in Z for the company.”
- Demonstrating Humility and Eagerness to Learn: Show that you are open to learning, receiving feedback, and adapting. This demonstrates a team player mentality and avoids the perception of arrogance. The phrase, “I am always looking for ways to improve and learn from my colleagues,” can be very effective.
- Cultural Fit: Interviewers will often be assessing your “cultural fit” – how well you are likely to integrate into the existing team and company culture, which often implicitly incorporates aspects of Janteloven.
For those actively seeking employment in Norway, mastering these communication and self-presentation strategies is paramount. The NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo offers excellent 1-to-1 private courses that can be invaluable in this regard. These tailored courses go beyond grammar and vocabulary, providing specific insights into Norwegian business culture, interview etiquette, and effective communication strategies. By simulating real-world scenarios and offering personalised feedback, these courses can equip you with the cultural fluency needed to confidently navigate job applications, ace interviews, and make a strong, appropriate impression within the Norwegian professional landscape. Understanding the nuances of Janteloven and how to subtly demonstrate your value without violating its unwritten rules is a skill best honed with expert guidance, and the NLS private courses are perfectly positioned to provide this crucial preparation for those aiming to secure a job in Norway.