Short clip from ProLite webinar held on 17 February 2022
Different layers to a culture and why values are important
As newly-settled expats in The Netherlands, it is easy to observe the visible practices of the country and its people. Practices form the outer layers of a culture such as its symbols, significant figures and rituals that can be seen with the naked eye. A walk through its major cities, you can pick out examples of these such as gazing upon a historic windmill, reading a monumental plaque about Rembrandt and watch with amazement at the throngs of always-in-a-hurry cyclists, out and about during peak periods.
Such practices of a country are most malleable with developmental, historic or technological changes such as the evolvement of energy production with solar panels, the recent rising importance of virologists and even, the long-known traditional Dutch greeting of 3 kisses on the cheeks now replaced with a fist or elbow bump, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
even as the culture undergoes a shift and changes its practices, the values of its people remain stable
Adapted from Cultures and Organizations: Software of The Mind by Hofstede, Hofstede & Minkov (2010)
But as Hofstede wrote in his book, Cultures and Organisations: Software of The Mind, even as the culture undergoes a shift and changes its practices, the values of its people remain stable. And as expats living and working in The Netherlands, learning the values of the Dutch can give you a leg up as you navigate through the culture and find yourself interacting with its people. Values are akin to the algorithms of a computer programme – everything is arranged around a set of beliefs.
According to the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, it is vital for expats to understand the values of Freedom, Equality and Solidarity and work that underpins the society.
Freedom and what it means to you
A quick search through publicly-accessible articles, such as the news website, national statistics figures and government websites, can throw up topics like the decreasing appeal of religions in the country, the importance of protecting press freedom and a presentation of a bill to further protect the LGBTQ+ community. Different topics and themes, published at different times, yet all shared the underlying value of freedom. One has the right to their own faith, opinions, lifestyle, association and self-determination in The Netherlands and that right is also extended to you. Big ideas, but what does this mean to you?
as you navigate through working and living in The Netherlands, you will encounter differing points of views in all aspects of life…
It means that as you navigate through working and living in The Netherlands, you will encounter differing points of views in all aspects of life such as lively discussions in business meetings or even, as simple as, reading the news where topics that may not be as acceptable in your country of origin, can find itself on the frontpage news here. When encountering such differences in opinions, you are also expected to voice your thinking and even, to take part in animated, dialogic communications that can potentially get heated. The freedom to exchange ideas and information invigorates the country. Taking offence is not a natural state but receiving others’ thoughts and giving your own is always valued. Respect of others’ opinions is essential in working and living here productively.
This freedom of ideas can naturally affect the rounds of discussions. Fact: it took about 9 months for the current Rutte IV government to be formed, the longest government formation in history. An impossible idea if it’s in another country, but one tolerated as the different coalition parties sought to find the right balance for the country.
Equality and what it means to you
In The Netherlands, equality is a core value that is highly prized by its people and can have devastating consequences, if there are evidence of discrimination as the national tax office found out when they were fined on grounds of discrimination. This despite the national website of the government openly stating the prohibition of discrimination. However, with the freedom of press and the people’s strong desire to receive equal treatment, it is easier for such accountabilities to occur and mechanisms are in place so that everyone has the right to equal treatment and not be discriminated for who you are. And this is a great benefit for expats like yourself in The Netherlands.
This value of equality ingrained in them makes the typical Dutch person a great advocate for themselves…
This value of equality ingrained in them makes the typical Dutch person a great advocate for themselves. They not only freely speak their minds but will do so, without fear in their business and personal relationships. This could be that knowing oneself as an equal member of a society is an empowering position to be in. The Dutch working culture is one of the flattest around (not linked to how flat the country is) and a great contrast to the work culture hierarchies found in other parts of the world. In a job interview, do not be surprised that you can go through rounds of interviews with not only higher management but also by your would-be peers or colleagues in similar positions in the company. Everyone’s opinion on whether you fit into the company culture will be considered.
So, what does this mean for you, as an expat? It means that you can be your own best advocate in this country too, when you know that you can be treated as an equal or if faced with a situation where you feel like there is a lack of it, you have the right to question it. At work, it is all the more efficient and productive if you take the initiative to share your ideas without fear of being seen as a ‘foreigner’. It can be a difficult endeavour to do so as being surrounded by such directness from Dutch colleagues can be unnerving but remember, be open and advocate for yourself one step at a time. With every new skill, it takes time and practice to sharpen it.
Solidarity and work, and what it means to you
Being free to express oneself and having the right to be treated equally are great accompaniments to working together well in solidarity. National statistics figure show that a significant number of Dutch youths are engaged in volunteering work and active members of associations, unions take on active roles in bettering the work lives of their members and the establishment of a minimum wage in the country shows the rights of workers and employees in the country – all these and more pointing to the invaluable value of working together.
… their will to work together to tackle difficulties, find solutions and lend a helping hand.
It comes to no surprise that Netherlands, a small country in Europe, punches above its weight internationally. And a key ingredient to it (among many others) are their will to work together to tackle difficulties, find solutions and lend a helping hand. And as an expat, you can use this understanding to benefit you as you work and live here.
One definite way to harness this knowledge is to involve yourself in the local community. Find local volunteering opportunities, associations or interest groups that appeal to you, matches your skills and experience and importantly, allow you to communicate and collaborate with like-minded Dutch. A lot of expats or trailing spouses/partners focused solely on the job hunt when they first arrived in the Netherlands. Despite the wonderful position of the employment market now, this difficult phase of job hunting can still take a toll on new expats. Finding a job is important but that journey can be supplemented by a part-time volunteering gig at your local animal shelter. This experience can help strengthen your CV, make new, meaningful connections and ease you into communicating with the Dutch as you wait for the right work opportunity to come along.
Infusing core values in your communication with the Dutch
Understanding Freedom, Equality and Solidarity and work are fundamental to how you navigate working and living in The Netherlands. Importantly, these values can tie into how you can adapt and improve your communication and collaborative skills to work productively with the Dutch. A topic for a future webinar, indeed.
Prokompas Coaching & Training 