Leadership and Boundary Crossing: A Comparison Between Curaçao and the Netherlands
May 29, 2024
I recently read an article in Vrij Nederland about boundary-crossing behavior in Hilversum, the heart of Dutch media. This resonated with me as I had just completed an interview about leadership in Curaçao with the University of Amsterdan, and saw a discussion the topic betwen Arthur Nivilac on Jurgen Arvelo's program Den Konteksto on Monday. This led me to ponder whether the differences between Curaçao and the Netherlands are as significant as they seem regarding hierarchy, intimidation, and inappropriate behavior.
Of course, there are clear differences between the two contexts. These are largely driven by scale and socioeconomic factors. However, if we filter out these differences, the gap narrows considerably. Despite this, I remain skeptical because Hilversum might not represent the broader Dutch society.
While it's crucial to understand the broader societal issues, it's equally important to focus on the local context. In the case of Curaçao, where I primarily reside, work is often perceived as a necessary evil by over 80% of the population. This perception is largely influenced by ineffective leadership styles, a topic that was at the forefront of my discussion with the University of Amsterdam.
The leadership issues in Curaçao, which mirror a broader trend of hierarchical and often intimidating management practices, are a pressing concern. These practices not only dampen employee satisfaction and productivity but also necessitate immediate reform to enhance the overall work environment and improve the quality of life for workers.
In conclusion, while there are inherent differences between Curaçao and the Netherlands due to scale and socioeconomic factors, the core issues of leadership and boundary-crossing behavior are strikingly similar. Addressing these issues requires a focused effort on improving leadership styles to create a more positive and productive work environment in Curaçao.
Miguel Goede
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