We have the same history back in 18th/19th century. Just a couple of hours by car and you're there already. We both love beer, we both make fun of each other.
The differences between the neighboring countries are bigger than you think
We talk the same language, but we don't understand each other. In terms of power distance, difference are enormous. And that's exactly the area in which I made a huge mistake:
I had the nice opportunity again to organize a workshop for my work. The participants of the workshop were a reflection of the organisation and the whole footprint. This means a variety of cultures together in one room. I had prepared everything very carefully: an interactive program, clear objective, drinks/snacks, energizing movie to prevent the after-lunch-dip, everything. At least that's what I thought... Everybody received a badge on entry. A badge with their name, location and position. Although positions are not very important to me, this day I learned for Belgiums they are. I indicated a 'director' as a 'manager'. Ouch! As mentioned in my previous post, Dutch are not that strict in power distance and openly show disagreement with their superior. In Belgium, the most powerful will receive most respect. From childhood the Dutch get the oportunity to express their opinion openly. Unlike the Belgiums, who learn to esteem older generations. Belgians are hierarchical set and it seems to be very important to show your function. Of course, the higher, the more important to express it.
Identification with the culture is very important. Even though they seem similar
The differences between the neighboring countries are bigger than you think
We talk the same language, but we don't understand each other. In terms of power distance, difference are enormous. And that's exactly the area in which I made a huge mistake:
I had the nice opportunity again to organize a workshop for my work. The participants of the workshop were a reflection of the organisation and the whole footprint. This means a variety of cultures together in one room. I had prepared everything very carefully: an interactive program, clear objective, drinks/snacks, energizing movie to prevent the after-lunch-dip, everything. At least that's what I thought... Everybody received a badge on entry. A badge with their name, location and position. Although positions are not very important to me, this day I learned for Belgiums they are. I indicated a 'director' as a 'manager'. Ouch! As mentioned in my previous post, Dutch are not that strict in power distance and openly show disagreement with their superior. In Belgium, the most powerful will receive most respect. From childhood the Dutch get the oportunity to express their opinion openly. Unlike the Belgiums, who learn to esteem older generations. Belgians are hierarchical set and it seems to be very important to show your function. Of course, the higher, the more important to express it.
Identification with the culture is very important. Even though they seem similar
He Joelle,
ReplyDeleteLeuk stukje om te lezen. De vader van een vriendin van mij is toevallig ook laatst hierover geinterviewd. Hij is Nederlander maar werkt in Belgie. Check: http://www.rnw.nl/nederlands/article/tussen-nederland-en-belgie-ligt-een-oceaan
Groetjes Karin