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Tip 1: The Dutch appreciate plain speaking above all else. Subtlety, diplomacy and coded speech can all lead to problems.
Tip 2: Everybody has a point to make and deserves to be heard.
Tip 3: The manager is not necessarily the boss, but the first amongst equals.
Tip 4: Despite their reputation for liberalism, the Netherlands is a conservative society and change is only accepted and embraced after much deliberation and discussion.
Tip 5: The Dutch have a long tradition of internationalism and are possibly more aware of the impact of cultural differences than people from many other cultures. Their language skills are world-renowned.
Tip 6: Decisions are reached through a lengthy process of debate and consensus building buy-in. It is difficult and dangerous to try to circumvent this system.
Tip 7: Historical events (floods, invasions etc.) have made the Dutch cautious and deeply thoughtful in their approach to issues. (If you do things in haste your feet will get wet.)
Tip 8: It is important to be seen as unpretentious in your dealings with other people. Eccentric behaviour is seen as suspect. (To act normal is crazy enough!)
Tip 9: Humour is used and appreciated but not in very tense business situations where it could be seen as frivolous.
Tip 10: There is a relatively strong separation made between work and private. Colleagues tend not to socialise very much immediately after work.

Travel Books...

Belgium and Luxembourg (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE) DK Publishing, Paul Tait, Lynne McPeake and Antony MasonNetherlands

Suggested Reading List...