CULTURAL AWARENESS IN THE NETHERLANDS

Working in the Netherlands
(Pre-departure)

The Dutch expect punctuality towards time. As a general rule, you are expected to be punctual; it is therefore advisable to arrive for business appointments on time.

The majority of Dutch people speak a second language, for example English or German. It is therefore not necessary to speak Dutch fluently before going to the Netherlands.

Although almost half of the population in the Netherlands are atheists and do not go to church, Sunday is still regarded as the most religious day of the week and a day of rest.

Structure and hierarchy in Dutch companies:
The hierarchy in Dutch companies is not strong as they often follow a horizontal hierarchical structure; titles and job description do not play a very significant role.  In bigger companies there might be a stronger hierarchy and employees are expected to address managers as Mr and Madam.  Even in these hierarchical organizations, every person has a right to their opinion and to have it heard. The boss may be the final decision maker, but he/ she will typically want input from the workers and will strive for a consensus.

Working Relationships in the Netherlands:
Relationships between Dutch business colleagues are often informal and colleagues address each other by their first name.


Doing Business in the Netherlands

Business Practices in the Netherlands:
When meeting your Dutch counterparts for the first time, a firm handshake is the standard form of greeting.  As you get to know each other better, three kisses can be exchanged (This is only when a woman is involved, in general two gentlemen do not kiss).

In the Netherlands everyone has a first name and a family name. The family name is usually the last name of the father.

Gifts are not usually exchanged when meeting a Dutch counterpart. In the event that you are presented with a gift, it is customary to open it on the spot and be thankful.

Business cards are customarily exchanged after an initial introduction in the Netherlands. Since a large proportion of the Dutch speak English, it will not be necessary to print your business cards in Dutch.

Dutch business etiquette
(Do's and Don'ts)
  • DO be honest and direct with your Dutch counterparts during business negotiations.
  • DO remain polite and let your counterparts finish their sentences before interrupting. 
  • DO maintain direct eye contact while speaking. 
  • DON'T answer your mobile phone during a business meeting. It is considered impolite to make phone calls during a conversation. 
  • DON'T ask personal questions, the Dutch will refuse to answer. 
  • DON'T cancel a meeting at the last minute, it could jeopardize your business relationship.
Did you know?
  • The Netherlands has almost 1,000 museums; the highest museum density in the world ?
  • Frisian is the second official language of the Netherlands? 
  • The Kingdom of the Netherlands consists of the Netherlands and the Caribbean islands Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles? 
  • The national dish, nasi goreng, originated in Indonesia? 
  • The Dutch are the tallest people in Europe? 
  • "The Netherlands" and "Holland" are used to describe the same country? 
  • One quarter of the Netherlands is below sea level? 
  • The Netherlands has at least 15,000 km of bicycle tracks? 
  • Almost every Dutch person has a bicycle and there are twice as many bikes as cars? 
  • People of 200 nationalities live in Amsterdam? 
  • Amsterdam has 1,281 bridges?