A guide to understanding Dutch business culture | Expatica 16/12/2020, 13)33

Understanding Dutch business

culture
This guide to Dutch business culture explains the Dutch workplace
environment, hierarchy, meetings, negotiations, time perception,
and typical business culture in the Netherlands.

Once you successfully write a Dutch CV and find a job in the

Netherlands, the next step is to adapt your working style to Dutch
business culture. Understanding the business cultural differences in the
Dutch workplace is necessary to succeed in your career in the
Netherlands. Learning Dutch business culture will ease your professional
integration and ability to work with and motivate your colleagues, which
is particularly important for managerial roles.

These following tips on business culture in the Netherlands will help you
understand the Dutch social rules at play at your workspace:

Hierarchy in Dutch business culture

Dutch business strategy, planning and decision making
Meetings and negotiations in the Netherlands
Perception of time in Dutch business culture
Dutch business culture greetings
Dress code in Dutch business culture
The use of business cards
Business dinners in Dutch business culture

Hierarchy in Dutch business culture

The hierarchy in Dutch business culture is generally not very rigorous but
instead relatively flexible. People will easily ignore authority when they
deem it necessary. The egalitarianism and openness characterizing

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Dutch society is reflected in the horizontal structure of Dutch business

culture seen in many Dutch companies, where both the managing
director and the employees are all considered co-workers. Executives do
not usually display their power – the boss is part of the group. However,
this does not mean that he/she does not have any authority within the
business (or bedrijf: business in Dutch). It is also common for Dutch
employees to take initiative and responsibility while working
independently.

Dutch people use an informal yet direct manner of communication in

Dutch business culture, although a few strict formalities are present. For
instance, when there is a notable difference in age or in rank, people will
use the formal ‘u‘ and ‘meneer‘ (sir) and ‘mevrouw‘ (madam). The typical
Dutch communication style among colleagues is the informal ‘je‘ and first
names.

Dutch business strategy and planning

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Dutch companies are cautious and pragmatic about their strategy, and
Dutch business culture usually involves step-by-step planning. The
strategic direction of a company is communicated to a relatively low level
in the organization.

In Dutch business culture, managers are not omniscient. Rather the

manager will know the general strategic outlines, and have specialized
employees to take care of the details. Dutch employees will therefore not
expect him/her to be so much of an expert, but rather a problem solver or
facilitator. There is a lot of emphasis on bringing multiple specialists
together in a group, thereby improving the diversity and expertise of a
group.

Business decisions
Most decisions, in politics, in Dutch business culture and even in social
life, have to be made on the grounds of consensus. The Dutch
egalitarianism is displayed in the fact that suggestions from all workers
are welcome. Subsequently, the process of reaching a decision is time-
consuming. However, once decisions are final, implementation is fast and
efficient.

Meetings in the Netherlands

The Dutch – in line with their longing for consensus – are fond of
meetings. Meetings are usually informal, although they are generally held
on fixed times and protocols and agendas are part of it. The main aim of
a meeting is to discuss various options, reach consensus, and take
decisions.

All members of a meeting are expected to make a contribution,

regardless their position in the company. Therefore, it is advisable to
prepare yourself well, no matter at which level of the company you are.
Foreigners often perceive Dutch meetings as ineffective, yet they are
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seen as an instrument to make sure that everybody is heard.

Negotiations in Dutch business culture

The Dutch tend to get right down to business and negotiations proceed
at a rapid pace. They are forceful, stubborn, and tough negotiators, while
honesty and reliability are vitally important in business culture in the
Netherlands.

Time perception in Dutch business culture

‘Time is moneyʼ is a catchphrase that works in business culture in the
Netherlands. At meetings, the Dutch prefer to get right down to business;
most small talk is a waste of time. Dutch people tend to keep
appointments and are usually on time.

Keeping appointments
People in the Netherlands have structured agendas in social life and in
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Dutch business culture. Missing an appointment or being late at a

meeting is not only experienced as annoying, but also as unreliable. Due
to the crowded situation on the roads a five to maximum 10-minute
flexibility is allowed but not taken for granted.

Dutch business greetings

Itʼs typical to shake hands with everybody present and say your first and
last name. During a conversation, the Dutch expect rather intensive eye
contact. Looking somebody straight into the eyes is a sign of
trustworthiness.

The Dutch kiss each other three times on the cheeks (right, left, right),
but this is only when people know each other well.

Business dress code

In the Netherlands, dress codes can be amazingly informal. A traditional

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suit and tie are only necessary in higher circles of business or when
working for the government. In general, business suits are a good call for
managers, at meetings, and at special occasions. In the summer, jeans,
blouses and t-shirts and even trainers are not uncommon in the
Netherlandsʼ work culture.

Use of business cards

Cards are usually exchanged after or near the end of a conversation in
the Netherlandsʼ work culture. Business cards usually contain
somebodyʼs function and academic title. Some Dutch cards also include
peoplesʼ private address and telephone number. This is, however, not an
invitation to phone them after office hours.

Business wining and dining

Lunch is a necessity, not a social event. Therefore most employees eat a
sandwich behind their computer, or bring sandwiches even into a
meeting. Business lunches are not uncommon, but not very frequent. The
tendency to go out for lunch or eat with colleagues in a meeting room,
however, is growing.

Taking business partners out for dinner is a private event; consequently,

it rarely happens in Dutch business culture. During dinner, there is some
small talk, although business will be the main topic of conversation. Good
topics to talk about outside of business are your home country or city,
cultural events, or sports. Family and hobbies also play an important role
in Dutch society.

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