Image of the Netherlands culture, seen from NewZea

Joella Allott's picture of you, of us Dutch:

My Personal Image of Dutch Culture and People

n Dutch people look for new opporutunities and take them particularly in business. This can be seen during the second world war when people were still able to find opportunities to make money.
n They are innovative, or at least appreciate when people are innovative. Perhaps in creative areas if someone takes something traditional and changes it to become modern and relevant.
n Have an interst in all fields of art such as painting, dance, films and music etc. The interest in artistic fields are not limited to the dutch culture rather they embrace other cultures ideas and art forms.
n The dutch are open to other cultures. The country has been one of the longest multi-cultural societies so there is an interest and understanding about other people groups.
n However, they don’t like Germans.
n In the past the society was clearly structured to show different groups of thinking and religion. Now some of these elements still exist but they are beginning to merge.
n People value freedom of choice as long as it does not hurt or hinder another persons freedom of choice. One can do as they please as long as others are not affected.
n Because of the freedom to be different there are a variety of lifestyles present in society.
n There is low power distance. The boss is a friend and not a “god”. It is better to reach a consensus within an organization so all members are willing to be involved in decision making within a company. Students are free to share their opinions and disagree with the teacher.
n Different opinions and independent thinking are encouraged.
n The society is an information society. People value reading and finding out for themselves what is going on. As a result almost every different group in society has their own publications, such as religious groups.
n Very informaed people.
n They prefer independent living and don’t like relying on others for daily needs. Even when it comes to taking money from family members.
n They are hiddenly patriotic. This can be seen at football games when everyone becomes pround to be Dutch.
n The people are generally structured and organized (I think) but are open to new experiences.
n They do not promote snobbery. Even in the royal family the queen is seen as someone who could be a relative or the person living next door.