I amsterdam - Best Dutch Dealing

Polder Politics
Amsterdam is a perfect example of the country's ingenuity in keeping afloat - and thriving in the process. Throughout history, Amsterdammers and the Dutch have learned to beat the odds by negotiating and compromising to gain land from the sea. The success of their efforts is mainly due to the creation of polders - areas of low-lying land reclaimed from the sea, protected by dikes and canals, that redirect and conduct the water so that it becomes more useful than destructive. This crafty invention has literally served as inspiration in the way the country exercises its politics, handles business and deals with each other. In fact, it is so typical, that foreigners may become confused - and sometimes frustrated - because this unique and intricate 'Polder Model' system is so foreign to them.

Interculturalist
'Dealing with the Dutch', by Jacob Vossestein, provides the perfect insight to understanding this system to the point where it can lead to successful business. Calling himself an 'interculturalist', Vossestein's background in Human Geography and Social Anthropology has meant vast experience in working with other cultures in a numerous amount of countries. It has also lead him to the belief that once cultural boundaries are understood, they can be overcome to the highest benefit of all involved. So is the ultimate message behind this book.

Images & Stereptypes
Disdain for hierarchy or egalitarian? Rude or direct? Stingy or pragmatic? Bureaucratic or procedural? Indifferent or tolerant? Vossestein presents both sides of the coin, offering explanations behind the behaviours, norms, etiquette, and history with insights stemming from his own experiences and observations to those from real foreigners who have done business with the Dutch. He also points out common mistakes foreigners make that stem purely from misunderstanding and miscommunication, as well as those mistakes the Dutch may make for the same reason. In fact, so insightful is this book, that the Dutch themselves have found it quite useful.

Experience & Knowledge
'Dealing with the Dutch' has been published in cooperation with the department of Intercultural Communication of the Konninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen (The Royal Tropical Institute, or KIT), who's experience and knowledge in the subject is vast and impressive. A not-for-profit organisation, KIT acts as an independent centre of knowledge with expertise in areas of international and intercultural cooperation and is also realted to the Royal Tropics Museum in Amsterdam.

Excellent Resource
Having begun initially as an institute devoted to researching geographical and sociological finds from the Dutch colonies of the Golden Age, nearly 100 years later, the KIT has now grown to become an institution with an impressive array of training, workshops, seminars, language courses, publications, conference facilities, research & consultancy. The KIT is a reliable resource for all companies dealing with the Dutch business climate or located in the climate itself. KIT Publishers also has a catalogue of other publications related to living and working in other cultures. These practical handbooks cover topics as diverse as doing business in Africa, living as an expatriate and rearing children abroad. Tip: try the 'Culture Quiz' in their website, found in their 'Training' section under 'KIT Intercultural Management & Communication'. It may prove an eye-opening to how little you realise.

Website Jacob Vossestein: www.jacobvossestein.nl
ISBN 'Dealing with the Dutch': ISBN 9068325655
Website KIT: www.kit.nl