Paco J

Cuesta

NETHERLANDS

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PSYCHOLOGY

The Netherlands correspond to the faculty of common sense.

The nature of this faculty is to test the truth of opinions and the advisability of actions by their agreement or disagreement whit the teachings of accumulative experience.

Psychology of the NationsA.L.Kip

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CULTURAL TYPES

Lewis Model

DIMENTIONS: POWER DISTANCE

The Netherlands scores low in Power Distance

• Dutch are independent

• Hierarchy for convenience only, equal rights

• Superiors accessible, coaching leader, management facilitates and empowers

• Power is decentralized Employees expect to be consulted.

• Control is disliked and attitude towards managers are informal and on first name basis

• Communication is direct and participative

Data: geert-hofstede.com

UAI

MAS

IDV

PDI

53

14

80

38

35

66

89

35

DIMENTIONS: INDIVIDUALISM

The Netherlands is an individualistic society

• High preference for a loosely-knit social framework in which individuals are expected to take care their immediate families only

• Offence causes guilt and a loss of self-esteem

• The employer/employee relationship is a contract based on mutual advantage

• Hiring and promotion decisions are supposed to be based on merit only,

• Management is the management of individuals. Data: geert-hofstede.com

UAI

MAS

IDV

PDI

53

14

80

38

35

66

89

35

DIMENTIONS: MASCULINITY

The Netherlands is a feminine society

• It is important to keep the life/work balance and you make sure that all are included

• An effective manager is supportive to his/her people, and decision making is achieved through involvement

• Managers strive for consensus and people value equality, solidarity and quality in their working lives

• Conflicts are resolved by compromise and negotiation and Dutch are known for their long discussions until consensus has been reached.

Data: geert-hofstede.com

UAI

MAS

IDV

PDI

53

14

80

38

35

66

89

35

DIMENTIONS: UNCERTAINTY AV.

Netherlands scores moderate on the Uncertainty Avoidance scale

• In these cultures there is an emotional need for rules

• Time is money, people have an inner urge to be busy and work hard

• Precision and punctuality are the norm

• Innovation may be resisted, security is an important element in individual motivation

.

Data: geert-hofstede.com

UAI

MAS

IDV

PDI

53

14

80

38

35

66

89

35

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

• Punctuality for meetings is taken extremely seriously

• Meetings are rather formal in nature

• Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending times

• Maintain direct eye contact while speaking

• Communication is direct and to the point, and may seem blunt

• Make sure your arguments are rational as opposed to emotional

• Business is conducted slowly: Dutch are detail-oriented Decision-making is consensus

driven

Text: KwintessentialPhoto: blog.crossculture.com

MANAGEMENT

• The business set up in Netherlands is egalitarian

• While timescales and deadlines need to be set well in advance and reiterated carefully, it should be understood that these will be viewed as flexible

• Since this is an egalitarian country: both managers and subordinates are expected to work together harmoniously

• Managers will lose no respect in consulting employees to gather background information and often to even share in the decision-making process

Text: KwintessentialPhoto: ladyfleur.wordpress.com

MOTIVATING FACTORS

• Congratulate them on their internationalism economical achievements

• Be humorous. Dutch humour is earthy rather than witty

• Show some frugality; the Dutch dislike extravagance

• In the Netherlands, personalities are separated from opinions: be frank and open and be aware that they will do the same

• Attune yourself to their limited protocol

• Demonstrating professional competence is a must

• Avoid

• Wasting their time

• Strong opinions about religion

• Too much ebullience

• Pushy tactics: the Dutch are sceptical

When Cultures Collide: Leading Across Cultures, by Richard D. Lewis

http://doingbusinesswithpeople.weebly.com/

NETHERLANDS

“Culture is the collective programming of the mind distinguishing the members of one group or category of people from others”.

Professor Geert Hofstede