Core values behind 115 years of development: a case study of G.C. Rieber & Co., Bergen, Norway

Points out that while most companies are lucky to survive even 15 years, there are some that exist and develop for a hundred years or more. Suggests that the reason for this contrast is to be found in a developed and self‐propagating corporate culture. Examines the core values or “commercial principles” of G.C. Rieber & Co. in Norway, which was founded 115 years ago and is still going strong. Although this culture has developed over the years, its spirit and core features remain essentially the same. In particular, a long‐term and proactive perspective has been a pervasive characteristic, together with a high degree of care for employees. Over the years, these values have provided the stability and direction needed to make effective decisions,to be proactive and adapt to more or less continuous changes in procedures, technology, products and services, markets and society at large. Since the culture provides a meaningful workplace, a highly stable aspect of the company has been its employees. As a result there are many instances of second‐generation employment, even some of third generation. In particular, the company has been led by a continuous line of four generations of the Rieber family. This has reinforced the culture and made it more resilient to change.