Analysis of Nonprofits in Small Markets

After flying hours above the Atlantic, the anticipation for what a first-time European traveler will see is overwhelming. Europe is a land deep in history, a history filled with buildings and artwork older than the American Declaration of Independence. Nothing can prepare you for the decent into a world completely differently than your own.

The landscape in the Netherlands is reminiscent of a patchwork quilt, perfectly square farms divided by streams and grassy paths. There is actually landscape and beauty, unlike the concrete jungles of suburban America littered with neon signs and Wal-Marts.

When stepping out of the Amsterdam Central Station one's senses are overtaken but the sights and noises around them. Trams, bikes, and people are everywhere, and it is quickly learned to stay out of the bicycle lane. Bicycling is a huge means of transportation in the city. Cars are not items of value like in America. Automobiles are parked tightly and disorganized. Cars do not stand out, but the same goes for the Dutch people. The individuals do not seek attention; it is a very laid-back atmosphere.

A short walking distance into central Amsterdam it is apparent that Amsterdam is a cultural open and very liberal with sexuality. From sex museums, sex shops, and the red light district, it's enough to make any conservative America feel uncomfortable. The main observation of the Dutch culture is they are tolerant of diversity but very unified in their pride for being Dutch. The streets were lined with orange pennants, Netherland flags, and signs cheering on the football team. A very unique observation compared to America's sport followers. America's fans are divided by schools or regions, but when cheering for our country as a whole there is not the same effort or devotion in the celebration.

The Netherlands has a low-crime rate compared to the United States, and wants to maintain the low rate. They are against the idea of a melting pot culture, and are strict on reducing immigrants. Amsterdam is famous for it's tolerance for marijuana and legalized prostitution. The United States still considers those topics of conversation a taboo.

The Netherlands has a population of around 16 million people in an area twice the size on New Jersey. For a country with a small population, the Netherlands produces big results. After observing Esmeralda Farms and Coster Diamonds, the main thread is shown to be important in Dutch business is quality. Both companies where very concerned with making the quality of their product the most important aspect of their business. The employees care about the product's quality, as well. Esmeralda Farms employee turnover rate was so low that the shortest employee turnover is eight years. Employees see their job as more than a paycheck, they put the maximum effort in creating products of high quality. Few businesses in the Untied States have the privilege to document eight years as the shortest time they employed an employee.

The main observation of differences between the United States and the Netherlands business practices is the number of hours worked per week and lack of female presence in the work force. Life is not rushed in Amsterdam. Cafés are packed at all hours of the day with people enjoying long-conversations. Lunchtime in America is a stressful time with many people eating quickly to get back to the office or working through lunch. The Dutch work a maximum on average of 36 hours a week and take an average of 5 weeks vacation during the year. The Dutch do not place the value of their lives by their profession.

Economically, the Netherlands has a very stable economy with a total GDP in 2009 of $799 billion. the Netherlands breakdown of the GDP is very similar to the U.S. when comparing the percentages of agriculture, services, and industry. Services in both countries bring in 70+% of the GDP. The Netherlands economy is highly dependent on trade. The imports 62% of the GDP while exports contribute 70%. This is significantly higher the United States with exports at 10% and imports at 16%. The reason The Netherlands highly relies on trade is because it houses the Port of Rotterdam, 4th largest port in the world, along with the Port of Amsterdam and Schinpol Airport.

Overall, the Dutch society is a highly educated society that is immersed in cultural stimulation from the arts, music, and history. There is growth but there is also a charm in how the past is recognized in present day Amsterdam. The city is covered in the symbol of three X's symbolizing how the city survived fire, flooding, and the plague. Amsterdam is a place where past and present collide and where it's people are proud of where they have been and where they are going.

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