University of Twente Student Theses
Intercultural Collaboration in European Business : Cultural differences between the Dutch and Irish on the work floor
Hoekstra, T.A. (2025) Intercultural Collaboration in European Business : Cultural differences between the Dutch and Irish on the work floor.
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| Abstract: | Globalisation has transformed European business interactions, highlighting both the benefits of cross-cultural cooperation and the challenges inherent in diverse workplace cultures. Although the Netherlands and Ireland share economic ties and both belong to the European Union, cultural differences persist, particularly in professional settings. This study explores these differences as perceived by Dutch professionals working in Ireland, aiming to identify Irish cultural standards that may influence workplace collaboration. Employing an inductive qualitative approach, this research applies the Critical Incident Technique in combination with the Grounded Interpretive Model to analyse culturally significant experiences. Participants were asked to recount specific moments that stood out to them as culturally surprising or confusing. Through thematic analysis of these critical incidents, thirteen Irish cultural standards were identified, which were then grouped into four underlying values: Cúram (care/caution), Craic (friendliness/humor), Solúbthacht (flexibility/adaptability), and Údarás (authority). These values provide a culturally grounded explanation for Irish workplace behaviours as perceived by Dutch expatriates. Findings from this study contribute to the field of European intercultural management and offer practical insights for professionals operating in Dutch–Irish contexts. By understanding the underlying logic of Irish cultural norms, Dutch professionals can improve their cultural awareness, adapt their expectations, and enhance cross-cultural collaboration in the workplace. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 02 science and culture in general, 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106432 |
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