Acceptable Public Behavior

• 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 Attire

• 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.

Conversations and Networking

• 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.

Meetings, Presentations, and Negotiation Tactics

• 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.

Dinner Etiquette

• 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.

Other

• 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