Blog Posts | Mazzi-inc

14 Articles

Intercultural Collaboration ×

Inclusive Leadership vs Intercultural Leadership:

Harald Kruithof

Inclusive Leadership vs Intercultural Leadership:

Perhaps the real question is not which type of leadership organisations need, but which capabilities leaders need to develop. A New Leadership Model Every Few Years? Organisations are becoming increas...

Diversity & Inclusion Inclusive Leadership Intercultural Collaboration Intercultural Leadership Organizational Culture Psychological Safety

2 Jul 2026

Connecting Through Change

Harald Kruithof

Connecting Through Change

Organisations are constantly evolving. Teams change, workloads increase, and expectations shift. In this context, collaboration becomes both more important and more challenging. At Rijkswaterstaat, th...

Diversity & Inclusion Inclusive Leadership Intercultural Collaboration Intercultural Leadership Organizational Culture Psychological Safety Team Dynamics

4 Jun 2026

Why collaboration in international teams is often more complex than it seems

Harald Kruithof

Why collaboration in international teams is often more complex than it seems

Collaboration is a priority in many organisations. Teams meet regularly, align continuously, and invest heavily in communication. Yet in international teams, something often still feels difficult. Not...

Communication Styles Intercultural Collaboration Intercultural Leadership International Teams Organizational Culture Team Dynamics

12 May 2026

Culture and personal space

Harald Kruithof

Culture and personal space

Why personal space matters more than we think In international teams, people don’t just collaborate differently—they also relate to space differently. This becomes visible in small, everyday moments. ...

Communication Styles Cultural Differences Intercultural Collaboration

19 Mar 2026 Country and regional culture

Intercultural collaboration in virtual teams

Harald Kruithof

Intercultural collaboration in virtual teams

Why virtual collaboration requires more than technology Virtual teams have become part of everyday work. We collaborate through calls, video meetings, and digital tools—often with colleagues across di...

Intercultural Collaboration Intercultural Communication International Teams Remote Collaboration Team Dynamics

22 Jan 2026

From communication skills to meaningful dialogue and stronger intercultural collaboration

Harald Kruithof

From communication skills to meaningful dialogue and stronger intercultural collaboration

Many organisations invest heavily in culture change. New core values are introduced, teams attend workshops, and employees are encouraged to “collaborate differently.” Yet one question often remains u...

Cultural Awareness Culture Change Intercultural Collaboration Intercultural Leadership Organizational Culture Psychological Safety Team Dynamics

23 Oct 2025

Intercultural collaboration between the Netherlands and Belgium

Harald Kruithof

Intercultural collaboration between the Netherlands and Belgium

Why working with Belgian colleagues offers more than you might expect The Netherlands and Belgium share a border, a language, and strong economic ties. At first glance, collaboration seems straightfor...

Communication Styles Cultural Differences Intercultural Collaboration

2 Oct 2025 Country and regional culture

Intercultural collaboration as a foundation for sustainable integration in the energy sector

Harald Kruithof

Intercultural collaboration as a foundation for sustainable integration in the energy sector

The energy transition is creating a growing demand for skilled professionals. At the same time, many refugees and status holders are eager to build a future and meaningful career in the Netherlands. T...

Diversity & Inclusion Intercultural Collaboration Intercultural Leadership International Teams Organizational Culture Psychological Safety

4 Sept 2025

Strengthening team dynamics through cultural awareness

Harald Kruithof

Strengthening team dynamics through cultural awareness

Context: collaboration in a growing team Eres Relocation operates in an international environment where collaboration, communication, and adaptability are key. As teams grow and evolve, maintaining st...

Cultural Awareness Intercultural Collaboration Intercultural Communication Organizational Culture Team Dynamics

19 Jun 2025

Why intercultural collaboration doesn’t happen automatically

Harald Kruithof

Why intercultural collaboration doesn’t happen automatically

Why collaboration in international teams is not as straightforward as it seems You have a team of capable, motivated professionals. Everyone is working toward shared goals, deadlines are met, and on p...

Intercultural Collaboration Intercultural Communication Psychological Safety Team Dynamics

6 Feb 2025

Creating connection in a diverse workplace

Harald Kruithof

Creating connection in a diverse workplace

Context: building an inclusive workplace IKEA is a global organisation with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. In the Netherlands, this commitment takes shape through initiatives that sup...

Communication Styles Diversity & Inclusion Intercultural Collaboration International Teams

17 Sept 2024

Rules versus context in intercultural collaboration

Harald Kruithof

Rules versus context in intercultural collaboration

Why “logical” differences create friction Imagine two professionals discussing a situation where a rule doesn’t quite seem to fit. One focuses on what the rule says. The other considers the intention ...

Communication Styles Cultural Differences Intercultural Collaboration

12 Sept 2024 Country and regional culture

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