The Power of Dialogue: The Regulator–Regulatee Relationship in the Norwegian Oil and Gas Industry

The aim of this chapter is to investigate the regulator–regulatee relationship and dialogue as a policy instrument in the Norwegian oil and gas industry. Dialogue is used as a lens to shed light on power relations in encounters between regulator and regulatees. The empirical part draws on qualitative research and multiple data sets. Dialogue is the preferred supervisory strategy and is embedded in symmetrical and asymmetrical power relations. The dialogue is formalised, ritualised, and restricted during regulator–regulatee encounters, whereas regulatees call for more informal discussions. The use of dialogue as a policy instrument has contributed to leeway for creativity in operations, learning, feedback, shared understanding and, according to the regulator, innovation and solutions beyond minimum requirements of laws and regulation.