University of Twente Student Theses
Working as a German in The Netherlands : cultural standards and the impact of demographic characteristics
Rosemann, Juliane (2021) Working as a German in The Netherlands : cultural standards and the impact of demographic characteristics.
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| Abstract: | In the age of increasing globalization, communication and teamwork beyond one’s own culture has become an important aspect in life for many people. The analysis of cross-cultural interactions is important to further develop research that entails the exploration of differences and commonalities between two or more cultures. Therefore, the aim of this master thesis is to identify Dutch behavioural patterns (cultural standards) that are perceived by German individuals and furthermore if demographic characteristics influence that perception. The following research question was asked for these purposes: Which Dutch cultural standards are perceived by German individuals and to what extent are they influenced by demographic characteristics? To answer the research question, a qualitative study by means of interviews with German individuals was carried out, which was aimed to identify critical incidents that can be analysed. Afterwards, Dutch cultural standards were established and examined whether demographic characteristics have an influence on the perception. The findings of this study identified fourteen cultural standards: Flexibility, collective decision- making, (technological) innovativeness, friendly atmosphere (Gezelligheid), flat hierarchy, freedom of action, work-life-balance, informality, directness, approximate planning, anti-authoritarianism, pragmatism, solution orientation, job opportunity. The evaluation of the qualitative study shows that the demographic characteristics (region in The Netherlands, age and duration of time working in The Netherlands) only have a minor influence on the occurrence of the perceived cultural standards, but it does not show a difference in the variety of cultural standards. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 02 science and culture in general |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/86010 |
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