Top Tips on the Netherlands

Top Tips on the 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.

Tip 11
The Dutch as a nation are highly educated and place great value on education. A large percentage of the country’s GDP is spent on the state education system.

Tip 12
Employees tend to stay with one employer for long periods of time, which promotes a company loyalty and an interest in long-term goals.

Tip 13
Dutch labour laws are quite stringent making it difficult to dismiss people. This makes downsizing a difficult and costly exercise.

Tip 14
Conducting business affairs over lunch is unusual in the Netherlands – lunch is usually a quick snack.

Tip 15
The Dutch tend towards informality in business dealings with first names usually used – especially in international situations.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in The Netherlands only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.