ÜDS-Sosyal 2003-1 Soru=65

It is suggested in the passage that a major cause for Norway's reluctance to cooperate with foreign companies is ---- .

Norway was transformed by the discovery of oil and
gas in the North Sea in the 1960s and its previously
agricultural-based economy saw an explosion of
wealth. But since then a fierce but seemingly
misplaced sense of national pride appears to be
preventing Norwegian companies from making
sensible business decisions to capitalize on the
natural advantages the country has been handed.
State intervention has supported entrepreneurial
business ever since, but now times are tougher.
Companies in other parts of Scandinavia have
realized that in order to keep ahead in a global
economy, and win foreign market share, they not only
need greater financial power but also partners with
local knowledge. However, rather than taking a
similar proactive approach, Norwegian companies
are adopting a defensive stance and seem perplexed
by a sudden wave of hostile takeover bids.