In contrast to the liberal and tolerant culture of the Netherlands, business relations tend to be formal and reserved. Dutch society and culture greatly influences factors such as employee relations, business attire, expectations for meetings and correspondence, and acceptable business gifts that can make or break international business relationships. Companies entering the Netherlands for the first time should take time to become familiar with Dutch business culture before arriving.
Employee Relations
Employees in the Netherlands value their personal time, and are much different from work-oriented cultures that expect employees to make sacrifices in their personal lives for the sake of their careers. Asking Dutch employees to work overtime or come in on weekends and holidays can damage employee relations.
Dutch culture is among the most egalitarian in the world, so a “command and control” management philosophy will be very ineffective here. Employees are accustomed to sharing information and decision-making responsibility throughout all levels of an organization.
Business Attire
Business attire tends to be highly informal in the Netherlands, with the exception of certain industries. Financial services professionals, for instance, will usually wear a black suit, white shirt, and dark tie. Casual business dress is the same as in many other European nations, with the exception that shorts are only acceptable while exercising.
Even in more formal settings, Dutch men may take off their jackets at work. An interesting effect of Dutch egalitarianism is that many high-ranking managers will dress more informally than their employees. It is not acceptable in Holland to flaunt wealth or status, so the richest people may often dress much less formally than people of average income.
According to ExecutivePlanet.com, a tuxedo may be required at formal dinners or parties. The best policy is to call ahead and inquire about the dress requirements of specific events.
Business Meetings and Correspondence
The Dutch style of communication is very direct and truthful, which can be unsettling for outsiders at first. They do not appreciate polite answers that avoid real issues, and will answer questions themselves in a way that may seem blunt. In Dutch culture criticism is a sign of involvement, not of rejection, so if a Dutch person criticizes an idea, it is likely that they are simply attempting to refine it.
While Dutch businesspeople will appreciate a chance to engage in meaningful conversation after business is concluded, they prefer not to engage in small talk at the outset of business meetings. According to Kwintessential.co.uk, Dutch people value their privacy and like to maintain ample talking distance with no physical contact. Making an exaggerated show of emotion or using wild hand gestures during a conversation can make Dutch businesspeople uncomfortable.
Dutch people appreciate visitors taking the time to learn their language, but a vast majority will be fluent in English (as well as several other European languages). Simply asking a Dutch person if they speak English can be taken as an insinuation that the person is not intelligent International business guests that remember to speak plainly and directly, maintaining direct eye contact while speaking, will have an advantage over their competitors.
Punctuality and trustworthiness are highly valued traits. Arriving late for a meeting can be viewed as extremely rude, since Dutch businesspeople are accustomed to following strict schedules. If one cannot avoid being late, calling ahead as early as possible to inform the expecting party is imperative. Canceling a meeting at the last minute or missing a meeting without warning can easily end a business relationship.
Business correspondence should be formal. First names should not be used, even if a relationship is on a first name basis, since correspondence may be circulated throughout the company to additional managers and decision makers.
Business Gifts
International businesspeople should avoid giving gifts until they have cultivated a personal relationship with their Dutch counterparts. Gifts should be of good quality, but never exorbitant. A gift that is too expensive can make a Dutch person uncomfortable, and may be taken as a hint that the giver is offering a bribe.
When visiting a Dutch home, bringing a bouquet of flowers or a potted plant is common. Acknowledging children with gifts can go even further in making a good impression; Belgian chocolate is a favorite.
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