A survey among international entrepreneurs from Avans University of Applied Sciences and STE Languages, conducted by Luc van den Hoff, shows that 40% of entrepreneurs devote insufficient time and attention to preparation. Entrepreneurs also experience many bottlenecks when doing international business. The biggest bottleneck experienced is communication with potential business partner. The different working methods and cultural differences between the Netherlands and the target country are also perceived as problematic. Dutch entrepreneurs rate the importance of language and culture highly: no fewer than 86.9% indicate that they find it important to very important to have a good command of and knowledge of language and culture. Luc van den Hoff's research was commissioned by STE Languages.

Dutch entrepreneurs experience many bottlenecks when doing business internationally

Time and preparation for an international business trip
A survey among international entrepreneurs by the Avans University of Applied Sciences and STE Languages, conducted by Luc van den Hoff, shows that 40% of entrepreneurs devote insufficient time and attention to preparation. In more than 80% of cases, the entrepreneur spends half a day to one day. More than 60% believe that this preparation was insufficient.

Bottlenecks in international business
Entrepreneurs also experience many bottlenecks when doing international business. The biggest bottleneck experienced is communication with the interlocutor. Almost 50% of entrepreneurs surveyed consider this to be the biggest bottleneck. The different working methods (30%) and the cultural differences (17%) between the Netherlands and the target country are also perceived as problematic.

Language and culture are highly valued
Dutch entrepreneurs rate the importance of language and culture highly. No fewer than 86.9% indicate that they find it important to very important to have a good command of language and knowledge of culture.

Significant quotes from the research

“Good cooperation consists of good contact with mutual respect for each other's culture. Understanding each other is essential”.

"In some countries they say ‘yes’, because they don't know ‘no’; you have to ask carefully and build trust so that you know whether it is ‘yes’ and, if ‘no’, why not".

“We are much more direct; it takes a lot of time and energy to first build a relationship before we can work together. In China, this took me more than a year. Now I have a partner for life.

“In operational areas, language and culture are essential to master”.

Research by STE Languages and Luc van den Hoff (Avans University of Applies Sciences) (June 2023).