-
Although
it is polite to ask, 'Do you speak English?', this
is almost a certainty, and few people will mind
if you just start out in that language, especially
not if you first greet them in Dutch-with-an-accent
and then continue in English. Further away from
cities, people may still be nervous about speaking
English.
-
The Dutch
tend to be low-key, so subdue yourself in both body
language and tone or loudness of voice if you are
animated by nature. (Americans are often felt to
speak too loudly).
-
The Dutch are a serious lot, and smiling is not
required in business or customer service. People
usually smile only in a slightly more personal contact
or when they have genuine pleasure about something.
Smiling all the time, certainly to strangers, is
often felt to be insincere.
-
In introducing
oneself, always make sure not to remain seated.
-
Physical
distance in the Netherlands is smaller that in the
USA abut wider than in Asia. About one arm's
length is considered comfortable for good contact.
-
Using
toothpicks or chewing gum in public is unacceptable
in business circles. Also, talking with your
hands in your pockets is considered rude.
-
Business dress in the Netherlands
if fairly conservative, but it depends upon the
profession.
-
In the financial industries [perhaps
the most conservative of all], most businessmen
wear dark suits, muted ties, and white shirts; women
typically dress in dark suits and white blouses.
Expect to wear the same clothes when invited to
dinner.
-
Some professions allow very informal
dress. Quite a few executives save their ties
and jackets for outside the office.
-
In certain industries, you may be
surprised to find that the higher a person's rank,
the more informally he or she is permitted to dress.
For example, in some offices, you may find the sales
clerks in suits and the boss in jeans and a sweater.
-
Dressing up is permissible on appropriate
occasions. A tuxedo for men and an evening
gown for women may be expected for formal parties,
dinners, or an opening night at the theater.
-
Casual wear is essentially the same
as in North America. Shorts, however, are
acceptable only when jogging or hiking.
-
Be aware of recent political events,
both in you own country an in the Netherlands, since
the Dutch tend to be keen on discussing politics.
Don't, however, get involved in a political discussion
if you are not well informed.
-
Regarding Dutch politics, remember
that one's own choice of party is considered private
information.
-
In private conversation, the Dutch
may easily criticize American policies, but remember
that in Dutch culture, a critical approach is a
sign of involvement rather than of rejection.
-
Make it clear that you are aware that
the country is officially called the Netherlands.
But in speaking English, the Dutch themselves will
also say Holland, a shorter term officially referring
to only two of the 12 provinces that make up the
country.
-
Contacts are vital to doing business
in the Netherlands, so make a point of remembering
the family name of every possible person who could
give you or your company a good reference.
-
Topics of conversation to avoid include
boasting about your income and possessions, and
religion [This has been a private issue since the
1970's. Many Dutch people never go to church].
-
A courtesy or professional title,
followed by a last name, should always be used unless
you are invited to do otherwise. Academic
titles are hardly ever used in spoken conversation.
-
In conversations with Dutch people,
any reference to hierarchy or status should be avoided
or played down.
-
It's unnecessary to have your business
card translated, since most Dutch businesspeople
are fluent in English. Promotional materials
and instruction manuals, however, should be translated
into Dutch, especially when dealing with complicated
terminology.
-
There is a deep respect for higher
education in this country; so be sure to include
any university degree above a B.A. on your business
card. Do not, however, mention it in conversation.
-
PowerPoint presentations are the standard,
but many people are weary of them, so keep the number
of slides down to a minimum. A good verbal
presentation is at least as important.
-
Generally, the Dutch will not spend
a lot of time socializing before a meeting or other
business discussion. Often, as soon as the necessary
introductions are made, they will proceed to the
business at hand.
-
This is a society of concrete facts,
statistics and other hard data. Data and information
are crucial, but do not throw in self-appraisals
like "we're the #1 this or that." Large
is not necessarily felt to be good. Quality usually
comes before quantity, unless the price clearly
indicates cheaper bulk.
-
Don't make promises lightly. You will
be expected to keep every promise you make, no matter
how offhand or insignificant it may seem. Moreover,
if the Dutch suspect that they cannot trust you,
they may very well call off the deal.
-
Giving compliments is not a part of
Dutch business culture. Since most work is done
in groups, there is not as much emphasis on recognizing
individual effort. Open competition between workers
is frowned upon.
-
Frequent short and direct eye contact
is felt to be a sign of sincerity. continuous looking
away is felt to be sneaky, indicating dishonesty
or a lack of social skills.
-
Give at least one or two weeks notice
for an appointment made by telephone or fax. For
appointments made by mail, allow for a full month.
-
Dinners-and lunches to a lesser extent-are
popular occasions for Dutch business entertaining.
Moreover, these meals tend to be held in restaurants
rather than private homes.
-
In the Netherlands, dinner is served
relatively early. If you receive an invitation for
6:30 p.m., consider yourself a dinner guest.
-
At the dinner table, avoid resting
your hands in your lap; the best policy is to keep
both wrists resting above the table.
-
Always use utensils when eating, even
with items that are considered finger foods in North
America. Utensils are held throughout the meal,
perhaps rested, but not put down. Knives on the
right, forks on the left, spoons on the right again.
-
For restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is
usually sufficient. All restaurants are legally
obliged to include gratuities in the bill. If you
were pleased with the service, you may leave an
extra tip.
-
The capital of the Netherlands is
Amsterdam, but the the Hague is the seat of government.
-
The Netherlands is the sixth largest
exporter and investor in the world.
-
Arriving on time to social events
is essential in Dutch business culture.
-
Regardless of the occasion, it's essential
that you arrive on time and bring a small, quality
gift. Good choices include flowers or a potted plant,
a small assortment of chocolates, decorative candles
or a book about your home country. Always keep in
mind that modest gifts are appreciated; the Dutch
tend to frown upon excessive displays.
-
The bear hug is virtually unknown
in Holland, and not welcomed.
-
Business hours are generally 8:30
a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Sources
A summary of this information can be
found at Executive Planet and Hotels Europe.
For more information go to:
http://www.executiveplanet.com
http://www.hotels-europe.com.
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