Dealing with the Dutch

People from all corners of the world, involved in governemnt, business and culture,come into contact with Dutch colleagues and counterparts, either here in the ... » 

People from all corners of the world, involved in governemnt, business and culture,come into contact with Dutch colleagues and counterparts, either here in the Netherlands or in their own countries. The directness of the Dutch, their critical attitude, and sometimes slow decision-making processes are a few of the characteristics that they immediately notice, and which often frustrate them. Luckily there are good things too. The Dutch drive a hard bargain, but once agreement has been reached their word in their bond. No matter whether you are coming to the Netherlands for a business trip or to work here for a while, or have regular contact with Dutch people in your own country, being prepared for Dutch culture will make your working (and social) contacts more effective and therefore more satisfactory. «