Business procedures in the Netherlands strongly emphasize efficiency, timeliness, and directness. Many Dutch people have a business-only mindset, meaning they view business as entirely professional and unrelated to their personal lives.
Business Protocols and Practices:Punctuality: Arriving on time for appointments and meetings is essential.
Efficiency: The Dutch try to make meetings and interactions effective because they value time.
Introductions: During introductions, shake hands with each person in the room, state your name, and make sure to have direct eye contact.
Be Straightforward: Instead of avoiding the issue for diplomatic purposes, Dutch coworkers express their disagreements bluntly.
Gift giving: This is not a standard practice within the Dutch business structure. However, it is customary to bring a present, such as flowers, chocolates, or a book, if you are welcomed to someone's home. And if you receive a gift, you must open it immediately to express appreciation.
Less formal business hierarchy:
In Dutch corporate culture, a person's position, education, and experience all contribute to their authority. The purpose of hierarchies is to support organizational effectiveness. Managers are viewed as employees with distinct responsibilities rather than necessarily as superiors.
Potential Communication Challenges:
For someone that is not used to the Dutch way of handling business a few challenges that they could come across are:
Direct Communication Style: For instance, American businesspeople may refrain from saying "no" or offering unfavorable criticism, whereas Dutch people will be more straightforward. Misunderstandings may result from this, particularly if the American businessperson is unprepared for direct criticism.
Language Barriers: Although English is a common language in the Netherlands in many professional contexts, knowing Dutch is still essential. Therefore, colleagues who speak Dutch solely may find it difficult to communicate, which might impede understanding and cooperation.
Networking: Developing professional networks is essential for advancing in your career and finding employment. However, it could be difficult for foreigners to make friends in a language they are unfamiliar with.
What is someone from the Netherlands was to be employed in the U.S.A?
If a person from the Netherlands were to come to the United states for business, I would first of all educate myself on their culture and how they handle business and then explain to them how it works here in the US. Encouraging questions and answering to the best of my ability is also a huge aspect to how I would help handle this transition for the employee.
Cites Used:
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/dutch-culture/dutch-culture-business-culture#:~:text=Indeed%2C%20business%20relationships%20are%20often,still%20be%20interpreted%20as%20intrusive
https://medium.com/heritage-digest/top-culture-and-business-etiquettes-in-the-netherlands-3655c649cf6b#:~:text=Gift%2DGiving%20Practices,balance%20between%20professionalism%20and%20approachability.
https://www.octagonpeople.com/understanding-dutch-business-culture-and-etiquette/
https://adamsrecruitment.com/blog/overcoming-challenges-for-international-workers-in-the-netherlands/#:~:text=Language%20proficiency%20Whilst%20the%20Netherlands%20is%20known,communication%2C%20collaboration%2C%20and%20integration%20within%20the%20workplace.
https://globig.co/blog/navigating-business-in-the-netherlands/#:~:text=Communication%20Style:%20Directness%20and%20Politeness,unimportant%20and%20could%20be%20ignored.
(Sources used are hyperlinked in blue)
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