When Belgian Indirectness Meets Dutch Directness

Belgium and the Netherlands are neighboring countries and work closely together. From outside, it often looks simple. Same region, similar languages, strong economic ties. In reality, cooperation between Belgian and Dutch teams can bring unexpected challenges.

The issue is rarely competence or motivation. More often, it is about how behavior is interpreted.

In Belgium, communication is usually more indirect. People often soften their message, choose their words carefully, and pay attention to context. Keeping harmony is important. Disagreement is not always said directly. For someone not used to this style, it can feel unclear or even passive-aggressive.

In the Netherlands, direct communication is normal and appreciated. People say what they think, give feedback openly, and value clarity. From the Dutch perspective, this is efficient and honest. But for others, especially those used to more nuanced communication, this directness can sound too blunt or even aggressive.

Neither approach is better or worse. Both are shaped by cultural norms about respect, trust, and cooperation. Problems start when we judge behavior without understanding the cultural context behind it.

This is where cultural intelligence becomes important.

Cultural intelligence helps leaders and teams pause before reacting. Instead of asking “Why are they behaving like this?”, they ask “What does this behavior mean in their culture?” This small shift can prevent many misunderstandings.

In international companies, national culture does not stop at the office door. It influences how people give feedback, participate in meetings, make decisions, and build trust. Company culture is important, but it is always experienced through a local lens.

For organizations doing business across Europe, success depends not only on strategy and structure, but also on the ability to work with cultural differences instead of against them.

Understanding does not mean changing who people are. It means learning how to interpret each other better.