Dealing with the Dutch [Paperback]

Jacob Vossestein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2010 | ISBN-10: 9460220797 | ISBN-13: 978-9460220791 | Edition: 19 Revised

This handy guide to Dutch business culture has been reprinted many times since it was published in 1997. Already more than 65.000 copies were sold from the previous editions!

Whether you are going to the Netherlands on a business trip or to work there for a while, or have regular contact with Dutch people in your own country, being prepared for Dutch culture will make your stay more effective and your interactions more satisfactory.

People from all corners of the world involved in government, business and culture come into contact with the Dutch and are often frustrated by their directness, their critical attitude, and their sometimes slow decision-making processes. This handy volume helps you to understand these characteristics and highlights the many good attributes of the Dutch as well, too. For example, they may drive a hard bargain, but once agreement has been reached, their word is their bond.
As in previous editions, this updated version of Dealing with the Dutch focuses on Dutch values and norms, but also takes into account the economic, social and cultural changes that the Netherlands is undergoing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Dealing with the Dutch is an excellent book for foreign students who must deal with Dutch people in business and professional environments, either in the Netherlands or in their own countries.”

About the Author

Jacob Vossestein is a human geographer and social anthropologist who has visited more than 60 countries. Since 1984, he has been a cross-cultural trainer, mainly at the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) in Amsterdam.

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: KIT Publishers; 19 Revised edition (December 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9460220797
• ISBN-13: 978-9460220791
• Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 5.2 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #276,911 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Please reprint this excellent book August 23, 2000

By sarah

Format:Paperback

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A bridge connecting two cultures May 8, 2000

By Wouter Wessel

Format:Paperback

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a mirror for Dutch abroad June 28, 2004

By meulensteen

Format:Paperback

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.