University of Twente Student Theses
Intercultural Collaboration in European Business : Cultural differences between the Dutch and Swedes on the work floor
Struik, L. M. van der (2024) Intercultural Collaboration in European Business : Cultural differences between the Dutch and Swedes on the work floor.
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| Abstract: | Globalisation is changing the life of people all over the world, and interactions with people from other cultures are becoming increasingly prevalent. However, cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and challenges when people from different countries work or do business together. Since this can hamper successful collaboration, research into the cultural differences within Europe is very relevant. The Netherlands and Sweden are important trading partners and collaborate in many areas since both countries are highly innovative. Therefore, this study aims to explore the cultural differences between the Dutch and the Swedes on the work floor, from a Dutch perspective. This study answers the question which cultural differences Dutch expats working in Sweden perceive. To answer the research question, an inductive qualitative study was conducted, and seventeen Dutch expats working in Sweden were interviewed. The Critical Incident Technique was used as a research method, which entails that the interviewees were asked about specific situations (critical incidents) in which they experienced differences between the Dutch and the Swedish culture. Thereafter, the critical incidents were analysed to identify Swedish cultural standards from a Dutch perspective. Fourteen Swedish cultural standards were identified: Sticking to Rules, Procedures and Structure, Long Decision-Making Process, Confrontation Avoidance, Private Life, Family and Personal Circumstances, Work-Life Balance, Indirectness, Closedness, Disagreement Avoidance, Silence, Emphasis on Equality, No Action Points, Respecting Decisions, and Speaking Swedish. These Swedish cultural standards were linked to five underlying values: Order, Consensus, Solitude, Charity and Equality, providing a thick description of Swedish culture. Together, the cultural standards and underlying values (Order, Consensus, Solitude, Charity and Equality) describe and explain typical Swedish behaviours that can be expected when collaborating on the work floor. As a result, this study enhances the knowledge of cultural differences between the Dutch and Swedes, and can contribute to a more successful collaboration. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104409 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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