Page 164 - Dutch Ships in Tropical Waters

One could argue that what has been called the Hollandse Handelsgeest (Dutch spirit of com- merce) often used as a ‘mythical’ explanation for the Dutch success, is mainly based on the access to information. Through this information commercial success was possible. Profits in the intra-Asian network could be made because of the insight and overview of VOC employees in the network. They knew how to utilise the available capital most efficiently, where shipping capacity was available to send the products for a timely and safe arrival at another location; and where it could be used as multiplier of commercial success. The structured way in which this information was exchanged at all levels of the organisation and to the far-off corners of the network must have given the VOC an advantage over their competitors.  Dutch Ships in Tropical Waters