Whether you are coming to the Netherlands on a business trip or to work here for a while, or you have regular contacts with Dutch people in your own country, being prepared for Dutch culture will make your stay more effective and your interactions more satisfactory. People from all corners of the world involved in government, business, academic studies and culture come into contact with the Dutch and may be taken aback by their directness, their critical attitude, and their sometimes slow decision-making processes-just a few of the characteristics that are immediately noticed. Fortunately, there are many good attributes, too. For example, the Dutch may drive a hard bargain, but once agreement has been reached, their word is their bond. As in previous editions, this updated version of Dealing with the Dutch focuses on Dutch values and norms, but also takes into account the rather drastic economic, social and cultural changes that the Netherlands is undergoing. Some of these have hit the international press for their apparent contradictions of the general image of the country as being peaceful, open-minded and tolerant. Book jacket.