Of course not everyone is the same purely based on their nationality, but we do tend to share some traits. When you are aware of these, it can become easier to connect with people and avoid frustrations when communicating. I intend to write a series of these short articles, starting with my home country.
Punctuality
The Dutch like to be on time and they would like you to be too. So if you will be late, let them know in advance and explain why. This might seem obvious in a business setting, but also when meeting up in person this very much applies.
Honesty and openness
Honesty is valued enormously in Holland, to other nationalities this can come across as being blunt or even rude. We really value people to say what they think, which links in to some of the next few topics. So do share constructive criticism, give feedback, be involved. We like it! Likewise Dutch people sometimes need to tone it down and wrap their honesty in a blanket of tact.
Productivity
The Dutch are the most productive per hour in the world. We like to work short hours but get a lot done. Getting the end result matters! We have also been good at doing the impossible, building land out of sea, creating a large empire out of a tiny nation (17th century). It does mean that we don't always have time for a chat when in the middle of a job and we hate wasting time in unproductive meetings, so don't be offended...
International attitude
Being such a small country, bordering many other European countries, we have a very international mindset. We virtually all speak multiple languages and spend all our holidays abroad. Our tv channels come in 12 languages and we will gladly speak English with any foreigner we meet. This is a great place if you want to open a European operation to your business as it will be easy to find staff that can communicate well in at least German, Spanish, English and French.
Hierarchy and equality
We don't have much of one within organisation, all staff tend to be treated the same. Equality is very important to the Dutch as is being down to earth. We do show respect by addressing those we do not know or our seniors as "U" rather than "jij" and using their surname. In most cases this is dropped after a short while when we get to know someone.
Not just tulips and cheese
Of course the stereotypes are true about the Dutch being great at producing and selling cheese and flowers. It is a great country to visit the wind mills. But there is a lot more to it. Food companies, banking and IT are also great parts of the Dutch economic engine. Famous Dutch companies include Philips, Heineken, ASML, Shell (Anglo-Dutch) and ING. Wageningen university is world famous for being a leader in biotechnology and there are many industries and companies related to this.
If you would like to see a posting on a particular nationality or topic, do let me know. Have a great week!
Punctuality
The Dutch like to be on time and they would like you to be too. So if you will be late, let them know in advance and explain why. This might seem obvious in a business setting, but also when meeting up in person this very much applies.
Honesty and openness
Honesty is valued enormously in Holland, to other nationalities this can come across as being blunt or even rude. We really value people to say what they think, which links in to some of the next few topics. So do share constructive criticism, give feedback, be involved. We like it! Likewise Dutch people sometimes need to tone it down and wrap their honesty in a blanket of tact.
Productivity
The Dutch are the most productive per hour in the world. We like to work short hours but get a lot done. Getting the end result matters! We have also been good at doing the impossible, building land out of sea, creating a large empire out of a tiny nation (17th century). It does mean that we don't always have time for a chat when in the middle of a job and we hate wasting time in unproductive meetings, so don't be offended...
International attitude
Being such a small country, bordering many other European countries, we have a very international mindset. We virtually all speak multiple languages and spend all our holidays abroad. Our tv channels come in 12 languages and we will gladly speak English with any foreigner we meet. This is a great place if you want to open a European operation to your business as it will be easy to find staff that can communicate well in at least German, Spanish, English and French.
Hierarchy and equality
We don't have much of one within organisation, all staff tend to be treated the same. Equality is very important to the Dutch as is being down to earth. We do show respect by addressing those we do not know or our seniors as "U" rather than "jij" and using their surname. In most cases this is dropped after a short while when we get to know someone.
Not just tulips and cheese
Of course the stereotypes are true about the Dutch being great at producing and selling cheese and flowers. It is a great country to visit the wind mills. But there is a lot more to it. Food companies, banking and IT are also great parts of the Dutch economic engine. Famous Dutch companies include Philips, Heineken, ASML, Shell (Anglo-Dutch) and ING. Wageningen university is world famous for being a leader in biotechnology and there are many industries and companies related to this.
If you would like to see a posting on a particular nationality or topic, do let me know. Have a great week!
