dc.description.abstract | Key concepts Culture, cultural friction, foreign entry, oil service industry, Brazil
Background After more than 40 years of an economy based on the black gold of the
North Sea, a substantial supplier industry has gotten a foothold in
Norway. The oil and gas market of Brazil is one of the fastest growing
markets in the world and they are expanding beyond the capacity of their
domestic oil and gas related industry, thus representing an opportunity for
foreign entrants.
Problem Cultural friction between two parties of different cultural background is a
driver for increased levels of conflict. In a foreign entry, such friction
may represent an obstacle to development and growth.
Purpose This thesis aims to develop a framework on how a Norwegian company
within the oil service industry can achieve its goals in Brazil. Developing
such a framework, I utilized already existing theories in a new context.
Research The research process was carried out in a qualitative manner. The data
collection came from four in-depth interviews where the respondents
represented two different areas of the oil service industry. The key topics
for the interviews were; challenges in Brazil, success factors in Brazil,
success factors for Norwegian firms in Brazil and cultural friction.
Findings Cultural friction was determined as a severe challenge for Norwegian
companies entering the Brazilian market. Further it was connected to
uncertainty avoidance, power distance, individualism and long-term
orientation. Norwegian companies are, in addition challenged by the local
contents in labour and less loyalty. Success factors in Brazil are
knowledge about how to handle time, management and local presence.
Conclusion The research showed that Norwegian companies within the oil service
industry that had advanced into Brazil face several challenges.
Simultaneously they have competitive advantages by virtue of being
Norwegian with extended experience in the industry. | no_NO |