DOING BUSINESS IN THE NETHERLANDS Introduction

The purpose of this research is to provide background information on the values, social mores, and other attitudes and behaviors of the Netherlanders that affect the conduct of business in their country. Officially, the country is Konikrijk der Nederlanden, or Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlanders are accustomed, however, to calling their country Holland and to referring to themselves as Dutch.1 Thus, it is quite acceptable for the foreigner conducting business in the country to refer to Holland and the Dutch.

The findings of this research are presented in three major areas of discussion. These areas of interest are social mores, the Dutch sense of community, and attitudes and orientations that affect the conduct of business.

The Netherlands is a country of 14.6 million inhabitants and somewhat less that 16,500 square miles.2 The resulting high population density has led the Dutch to value and practice privacy in everyday living to an extent found in few other parts of the world.3 One manifestation of this desire for privacy is a tendency on the part of the Dutch to stay at home or very close

1American Forces Information Service, The Netherlands (Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1987), 56.

2Ibid., 50; Catherine Morrison, 1992: Leading Issues for European Companies (New York: The Conference Board, Inc., 1989), 1.

3Anthony Bailey, The Light in Holland, 3rd ed. (New Yo

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Category: Foreign - D