THE NETHERLANDS  DUTCH COMMUNICATION STYLES   DUTCH COMMUNICATION STYLES

Respect is shown through speaking one’s mind and being direct. Little respect is given to those who appear devious or underhand in what they are saying.

This directness of approach can sometimes be misconstrued as aggression or even rudeness – but is, rather, a useful tool for enabling the meeting to reach an agreed solution.

Paradoxically, due to the consensual nature of decision making in the Netherlands it can be sometimes difficult to get a straight ‘yes’ or ‘no’. This seeming unwillingness is more a sign of no decision having been yet reached than any subtle politicking.

It is important to appear unpretentious. Whatever you are, do not think of yourself as something special. Therefore self-promotion of the type that might be found in the USA is seen as being distasteful and will probably be thought of as arrogant.

Although humour is often used in business situations, it is not all-pervasive and discussions are often very serious with irony or sarcasm being interpreted as lack of commitment.
Remember that even though the Dutch speak very good English, much humour is culturally-based and unintelligible to other cultures.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in The Netherlands only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services. Culture, Communications and Education department

The Culture, Communications and Education department implements the international culture policy of the Netherlands in China for instance in fields such as creative industries (focus: architecture, design and fashion), visual arts and literature.

Furthermore, the department manages the website and social media channels and is responsible for the corporate communication.

Culture

The Dutch government is actively involved in cultural exchanges between the Netherlands and China. The Netherlands embassy and the consulates-general therefore organise various events throughout the year.

There are also various financial instruments available to facilitate cultural exchanges between both cultures. Please contact the embassy or a consulate in the area of your cultural project for advice and support.

Communication

The external communication consists of informing the Dutch and Chinese audience on matters such as consular support, emergencies, travel advice etc. At the same time, through public diplomacy a dialogue is established with an influential Chinese audience in Dutch key sectors.

Website

The communication department in Beijing is also responsible for the content and layout of the website. If you have any questions or suggestions then you can contact the web editor.