When doing business in The Netherlands, keep in mind that the Dutch don’t spend a lot of time socializing before a meeting or other business discussion. The term "national heroes" is not really used in Dutch; they tend rather to use the terms "well-known Dutch people" (Bekende Nederlanders) or "celebrities". As time went on, her criticism was increasingly directed at Islam itself, and its incompatibility with democracy and Western culture. Upon introduction, repeat your last name while you are shaking hands. In the workplace, how are decisions taken and by whom? If you know that you will be late, make sure to call in advance and excuse yourself with a valid reason. Finally, Hafid Bouazza and Abdelkader Benali are from immigrant families, but have been raised since childhood in the Netherlands. 'Leve de monoculturele Rechtsstaat' in NRC, 30 November 2002. 5. Don’t feel compelled to ask if someone speaks English because it is assumed and the Dutch dislike being questioned about it. While these views are certainly not shared universally by people of the Netherlands, there is a social stigma developing toward immigrants and Dutch nationals from immigrant families. Since so many people in the Netherlands speak English, one can use the English titles Ms., Mrs., or Mr. when a title is required. This is an important value in Dutch society. Foreigners often tend to interpret this Dutch directness as rudeness, yet the Dutch never realise that others might feel offended. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The renewed emphasis on historical culture places higher demands on cultural assimilation; immigrants may be encouraged to learn, for example, to identify and describe cultural heroes and historical figures such as Thorbecke and As there's a good bit of rivalry between the Netherlands and Germany (luckily mostly on the football field these days), they don't like to be called Germans! Scheffer is a committed supporter of the nation-state, assuming that homogeneity and integration are necessary for a society: the presence of immigrants undermines this. Ethnicity: There is a lot of ethnic diversity in the Netherlands, although not quite as much as in Canada. As a consequence, an official national policy of multiculturalism was adopted in the early 1980s. Staff meetings stimulate dialogue between management and staff, and everyone's input is appreciated. However, there are a few that are typical of our nation. The second wave was largely in the form of labour migration of workers recruited by the Dutch state, a policy ended in 1974. In addition to the answers already given: Not honoring an agreement. Dutch people don’t like it when people show off or brag with the amount of money they have. Culture Guide to the Netherlands. The party subsequently proposed a motion of no confidence in both ministers. You may disagree with or object to the content of some responses. Every country has its own cultural taboos. We would advise you refraining from referring to someone's ethnicity, especially if it is unwarranted. Watch this video animation to find out some interesting facts: Business Culture in the Netherlandsis characterised by: business communication, business etiquette, business meeting etiquette, internship and student placements, cost of living, work-life-balance and social media guide. We just round off to the closest round number, if your bill is 76 euros, its common to pay 80. This is a bit tricky because not all Dutch are perfect in this department. There are three public television channels in the Netherlands, which are served by a dozen public broadcasters that generally try to broadcast quality television programs. Having said this, business and professional relations are not a great deal different than in Canada, and it is very likely that professional associates will choose to work with those they know and trust, or who have extended them similar favours in the past. She graduated with a MA degree in Archaeology and Prehistory from the University of Groningen. The Dutch are supposed to be the most informal and easy-going people in Europe and there are few strict social taboos to speak of. We have already discussed some general aspects of Dutch etiquette. Furthermore nothing special in the Netherlands is considered rude.