veiledere

Veiledere is the Norwegian plural form of veileder, a noun used for both people who provide guidance and documents that supply guidance. In everyday Norwegian usage, veileder can refer to a person who acts as an advisor or supervisor, such as a thesis supervisor, a mentor at work, or a professional coach, as well as to someone who offers career or study guidance.

As people, veiledere are professionals who help others interpret information, plan projects, develop skills, and make decisions. In academia, a veileder typically supervises research, provides feedback on methods and writing, and ensures that a thesis or dissertation meets institutional requirements. In organizational settings, a veileder may be a supervisor, mentor, or trainer responsible for onboarding, performance development, or career guidance.

As documents, veiledere denote guidance materials, manuals, or policy documents that lay out recommended procedures, standards, or best practices. These veiledere are designed to harmonize processes, ensure compliance, and support decision-making across teams or institutions.

The term is common in higher education and public administration in Norway, and its use overlaps with English equivalents such as advisor, supervisor, mentor, or guideline. Etymologically, veiledere derives from veilede, meaning to guide, and veiledning, meaning guidance.