Customer Reviews

Dealing With the Dutch: The Cultural Context of Business and Work in the Netherlands in the Early 21st Century (Living and Working in Other Cultures)

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As a Dutch-American cross-cultural trainer I have read the gamut of literature dealing with this subject. Mr. Vossestein's 'Dealing with the Dutch' is the most concise, clearly written book on the subject. The book's non-judgemental approach gives future immigrants to the Netherlands a thorough understanding of and a simple guide line to life in this fascinating land by the sea.

Most books on cultural stereotypes try to be funny. Often jokes work only for those already in the know, or worse, they are misleading to those who aren't.
Aimed at expats and others working with the Dutch, Mr Vossestein has written a serious book. The goal is to inform, not to get cheap laughs (though many of the anecdotes from foreigners interacting with the Dutch are quite entertaining).
Perhaps the greatest value of this book is as a mirror for Dutch travelling abroad. After all, understanding other people's culture starts with understanding your own. This book should be compulsory reading for all Dutch expats.

This is the best introduction to Dutch business culture available. It is uncluttered, and makes connections between different aspects of Dutch behaviour to develop a broad picture suitable for business people from any background.