the dutch way

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Holland or the Netherlands?

N & S Holland

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Europe’sEurope’s sixsix mainmain culturalcultural regionsregions

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The wider cultural context of Northwestern Europe:

 mostly Protestant Germanics 

task and business oriented

content more important than appearance

low hierarchy

time is money

careful planning

thoroughly urbanized

workers protected, social benefits, high taxation

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Modern day water works:

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Religion in NL in the past: Catholics & Protestants

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International trade since 1500’s 

Cape Town, South Africa

Jakarta, Indonesia

New Amsterdam, New  York 

Brazil

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Independent federal republic since 1581

(Monarchy installed by Napoleon, 1806)

autocratic business class (regenten )with House of Orange as Head of State

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Economic Crisis and World War II

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The 1960s: youth rebellion

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The 1970s onward – diversity,

prosperity, fun

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Multicultural society, an ongoing

debate:

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Religion in NL now: diversity

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Other public issues:Monarchy

 Ageingpopulation

Pollution

Traffic jams

EU expansion

Pollution

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Dutch behaviour and mentality ingeneral (1) 

pragmatic and functional

direct in speech, critical approach

cost conscious, business oriented

not very hierarchical; informal

do it yourself, not much customer

service

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Dutch behaviour and mentality ingeneral (2) 

self-assured, freedom loving

nuclear family, partner-oriented

kindhearted to those in need

tolerant on other life styles

but not politically correct on ethnic

issues (anymore…) 

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Your preferred behaviour… 

There are few taboos here, but… 

Be punctual on time arrangements

Be clear in what you want, be critical

Speak up when things aren’t clear 

Take the initiative

Don’t be indirect confusion

Don’t assume all people have a family, or are religious Don’t only say hello? on the phone

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..have no lack of self-conceit

..at first glance: nice, polite, tolerant and helpful,but then: criticism, moral judgments

..envy each other

..can be very generous towards charities and duringcrises (peace of mind?)

..value openness

..are masters in innovation

..have a high standard of living

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The Dutch… 

self-assured, freedom loving

nuclear family, partner-oriented

kindhearted to those in need

tolerant on other life styles

but not politically correct on ethnic issues

(anymore…) 

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Dutch curiosity 

Mind your own business! (USA)

Readiness to protest 

You should obey the rules (India)

Discussion, debating and the ‘polder model’ 

Seniority/Origin defines decision power! (India)

Dutch tolerance (e.g. gay, sex, abortion, euthanasia) and‘gedoogbeleid’ 

You should not talk about taboos (Africa)

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High degree of feminization 

Women are unequal to men! (lots of TWC)

Sharp tongue and lack of subtlety (blunt) 

Realize what the impact is of what you say! (Japan)

Make an appointment to visit 

Just pass by! (India)

Need for privacy 

Privacy may be limited (Southern Africa)

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Being on time is important 

Being late is normal (South America)

Disagreement = ‘No’ 

 Disagreement = ‘Yes, but…’ (Japan/China) 

‘Zuinigheid’ 

Enjoy life more! / This is a fair price! (Brazil)

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Equal chances for everyone 

people may feel special because you treat themwith dignity

Openness / Open-mindedness 

showing respect and genuine interest in othercultures/rituals

Tolerance

respecting different opinions and lifestyles

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Trade spirit 

seeing new business opportunities and findingcreative business solutions

High mobility / eager to discover new places 

showing interest in the foreign culture

Language abilities  creating respect by showing interest in the locallanguage and trying to communicate with people 

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Consensus oriented decision-making 

try to find a solution that pleases all partiesinvolved

‘Zuinigheid’ 

make a balanced decision towards financial issuesand don’t waste (company) money 

Dutch ‘gezelligheid’ 

placing a lot of value on creating a nice andcomfortable atmosphere

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Come visit the Netherlands!