If you are an Indian expat navigating the Dutch work scene, one question often floats around: Is there really a hierarchy here, or is it just a myth? Spoiler alert: they do things differently but it might not be as complicated as you think!
I spoke with seven Dutch professionals with ages between 25 and 55 who are at different positions across different departments in the same company. Out of them, four were born in the Netherlands, and the other three were born in other countries in Europe. And then me, from a vastly different cultural background with a different expectation of what “hierarchy” means. This article presents my conclusion from that discussion. If you want to save time and read another post, here the summary:
Dutch workplaces are flat—but not like a pancake.
They’re flat like an onion. Layers exist. They’re just subtle.
Hierarchy: Real or Just a Cultural Nuance?
The Dutch pride themselves on a flat organizational structure. This means that titles matter less than in many other cultures. So, if you’re thinking that your boss will always sit at the head of the table, think again! Sure, hierarchies exist, but they rarely interfere with open communication. Decision-making is more distributed. Many professionals find it refreshing— just remember that frankness is highly valued!
Of course if you were working in a multinational company back in India, you were probably told not to refer to your manager as “Sir” early in your career. In my personal experience, this forced flatness was rather a facade while the complex Indian-ness still kept the workplace dynamics as we have been trained to.
In many meetings, you’ll see juniors openly disagree with seniors. You’ll see managers asking, “What do you think?” and actually waiting for an answer. You might even see the CEO making their own coffee.
To an Indian professional, this can feel refreshing. Or deeply suspicious. I got my first glimpse when the department head gave a detailed presentation sharing the details of the finances, showing us where the money is going and what is being saved, and openly discussed what could change there.
“We’re Flat” – But this is where you might make mistakes
Yes, you can speak up.
Yes, you can challenge ideas.
Yes, no one expects you to say “Sir” or “Ma’am.”
But that does not mean power doesn’t exist. What changes is how power operates. Decisions are shaped in discussion—but finalized quietly in a smaller closed group. Authority comes from expertise, not position. Influence comes from clarity and consistency, not deference. So while everyone sounds equal in the meeting, not everyone’s opinion carries the same weight. The hierarchy hasn’t disappeared; it has just gone underground.
Marije, who has lived in Geldermarsen for past forty years and has been working at the same place for past decade told me: “We don’t think in terms of ‘higher’ or ‘lower’ ranks. We think in terms of who knows what and who can do what. If you have the answer, you speak. If not, you listen. Titles have nothing to do with that.”
Tips & Tricks for Navigating Workplace Dynamics
Want to fit in? Let me take you back to the pancake vs onion imagery. Here are the layers:
Outer layer: Everyone speaks freely. Meetings are open. Titles are invisible.
Middle layer: People who consistently add value gain influence.
Inner layer: Final responsibility still rests with specific roles—but quietly.
You don’t get access to the inner layers by pleasing your boss. You get there by being clear, reliable, and saying “I don’t know” when you don’t. What is indeed frowned upon is waiting to be told what to do. Culturally you were taught to “silently listen” to your elders, teachers, and later managers. If you acknowledge, you just nod and say “yes sir”. However, here silence is often read as lack of opinion. And in case you disagree with something, do not be overly polite and soften your disagreement that can hide your point instead.
The Dutch workplace removes symbolic hierarchy—but keeps functional hierarchy intact. Once you understand that, things start to click:
- Why your opinion was welcomed—but not acted on
- Why someone junior seems influential
- Why your manager feels approachable—but firm
Flat doesn’t mean everyone is equal. It means respect is assumed, not demanded. And for many of us, that’s the hardest adjustment of all.
So, while the Dutch hierarchical structure may surprise you, it can definitely work to your advantage. Want to share your experience? Write to us…
