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Geert Hofstede™ Cultural DimensionsThe Hofstede Dimensions for the Netherlands are very similar to that of other Scandinavian countries, see the charts below.
The Netherlands highest Hofstede Dimension is Individuality (IDV) at 80, which ties with Canada as the fourth highest worldwide IDV ranking, behind the United States (91), Australia (90), and the United Kingdom (89).
The high Individualism (IDV) ranking for the Netherlands is indicative of a society with more individualistic attitudes and relatively loose bonds with others. The populace is more self-reliant and looks out for themselves and their close family members.
This individuality is integral to in the daily lives of the population and must be considered when traveling and doing business in their Country. Privacy is considered the cultural norm and attempts at personal ingratiating may meet with rebuff.
Due to the importance of the individual within the society, individual pride and respect are highly held values and degrading a person is not well received, accepted, or appreciated.
The Netherlands'
Index Scores PDI=38, IDV=80,
MAS=14,
UAI=53, LTO=44
The second highest Hofstede Dimension for the Netherlands is Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) at 53, compared to a World average of 64. A moderate UAI score may indicate a cultural tenancy to minimize or reduce the level of uncertainty within the population by enacting rules, laws, policies, and regulations to cover most any and all situations or circumstances.
Scandinavian Countries Hofstede Averages: PDI=30, IDV=71, MAS=14, UAI=43
The lowest Hofstede Dimension for the Netherlands is Masculinity (MAS) at 14. This relatively low MAS Index value may be indicative of a low level of differentiation and discrimination between genders. In this culture, females are treated more equally to males in all aspects of society. This low Masculinity ranking may also be displayed as a more openly nurturing society.
World averages shown above: PDI=55, IDV=43, MAS=50, UAI=64, LTO=45
The Netherlands' religious demographics indicate no predominate religion (over 50%) being practiced within the country. However, the largest portion of the population (39%) identify themselves as Atheist. The next highest practicing group are Catholic at 31%, followed by Christians at 21%, Muslims at 5%, and others with 4%.
Power Distance Index (PDI) focuses on the degree of equality, or inequality, between people in the country's society. A High Power Distance ranking indicates that inequalities of power and wealth have been allowed to grow within the society. These societies are more likely to follow a caste system that does not allow significant upward mobility of its citizens. A Low Power Distance ranking indicates the society de-emphasizes the differences between citizen's power and wealth. In these societies equality and opportunity for everyone is stressed.
Individualism (IDV) focuses on the degree the society reinforces individual or collective achievement and interpersonal relationships. A High Individualism ranking indicates that individuality and individual rights are paramount within the society. Individuals in these societies may tend to form a larger number of looser relationships. A Low Individualism ranking typifies societies of a more collectivist nature with close ties between individuals. These cultures reinforce extended families and collectives where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group.
Masculinity (MAS) focuses on the degree the society reinforces, or does not reinforce, the traditional masculine work role model of male achievement, control, and power. A High Masculinity ranking indicates the country experiences a high degree of gender differentiation. In these cultures, males dominate a significant portion of the society and power structure, with females being controlled by male domination. A Low Masculinity ranking indicates the country has a low level of differentiation and discrimination between genders. In these cultures, females are treated equally to males in all aspects of the society.
Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) focuses on the level of tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity within the society - i.e. unstructured situations. A High Uncertainty Avoidance ranking indicates the country has a low tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity. This creates a rule-oriented society that institutes laws, rules, regulations, and controls in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty. A Low Uncertainty Avoidance ranking indicates the country has less concern about ambiguity and uncertainty and has more tolerance for a variety of opinions. This is reflected in a society that is less rule-oriented, more readily accepts change, and takes more and greater risks.
Geert Hofstede Dimensions Analysis Charts are located in each Country's page listed on the left.
Business Etiquette and Manners are located in each Country's page listed on the right, plus many additional web site links and resources applicable to that Country.
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Click on a country for its Business Etiquette Africa
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