In this section: Business Culture in Netherlands
Netherlands:
- Tip 1
- The Dutch appreciate plain speaking above all else. Subtlety, diplomacy and coded speech can all lead to problems.
- Tip 2
- Everybody has a point to make and deserves to be heard.
- Tip 3
- The manager is not necessarily the boss, but the first amongst equals.
- Tip 4
- Despite their reputation for liberalism, the Netherlands is a conservative society and change is only accepted and embraced after much deliberation and discussion.
- Tip 5
- The Dutch have a long tradition of internationalism and are possibly more aware of the impact of cultural differences than people from many other cultures. Their language skills are world-renowned.
- Tip 6
- Decisions are reached through a lengthy process of debate and consensus building buy-in. It is difficult and dangerous to try to circumvent this system.
- Tip 7
- Historical events (floods, invasions etc.) have made the Dutch cautious and deeply thoughtful in their approach to issues. (If you do things in haste your feet will get wet.)
- Tip 8
- It is important to be seen as unpretentious in your dealings with other people. Eccentric behaviour is seen as suspect. (To act normal is crazy enough!)
- Tip 9
- Humour is used and appreciated but not in very tense business situations where it could be seen as frivolous.
- Tip 10
- There is a relatively strong separation made between work and private. Colleagues tend not to socialise very much immediately after work.
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