Business Culture in France

By: Miriam Cisneros, Dalia Gonzalez, Victor Rojas,

Nurbergen Yerjan

History

France was officially established

in 1959 and is currently in its fifth
republic
France was Part of both World
Wars which included the French
Revolution
The French Flag

High and Low Context

The people of France generally

prefer to speak and be spoken to,
in French.
Excellent communications network,
it is a crossroads at the heart of the
European Union
French is the national language of
France and is highly regarded as a
symbol of the culture.

Individualism

The French are an individualistic group when it comes to working in teams.

More private and have different behaviours with the people closer to them and those
that are not.
French individuals are more outgoing with friends and family.
Decisions are made at the top of the company.
Relationships are important in the business culture and is important to spend a couple
minutes getting to know your colleagues before actually discussing business.

French Culture

Appearance and Dress

Very conscientious of their appearance.

Dress conservative and invest in well-tailored
clothing.
Patterned fabrics and dark colors are most
acceptable, but avoid bright colors.
French businessmen do not loosen their ties or take
off their jackets in the office.
Women should also dress conservatively. Avoiding
bright or gaudy colors is recommended.
Women should also avoid any glitzy or overpowering
objects, such as flashy jewelry.

Greetings and Body Language

Do not shake hands if you are exchanging a la bise-the kiss on the

cheek
Address others with vous which is the formal you instead of tu
Do not start a conversation with English, instead make an attempt to
speak French, this will increase the chances of a positive business
meeting
Keep your hands out of pockets in public
Do not chew gum in public
Snapping fingers is very offensive
Slapping an open palm over a closed first is offensive
Do not criticise Napoleon, the French have pride of their history
Do not ask about ones salary or ask them What do you do?

Gift-Giving
Gift-giving is not a common practice in France. The French hosts a party or a
special event to show gratitude after a business meeting rather than to give gifts.
Gifts are expected at the party or the special event to thank the host or hostess of
the event. Do not give a gift with your companys logo stamped on to it because
the French view it as vulgar. The French highly believe in either giving a gift of
high quality or none at all. When giving a gift, one must have a gift reflecting the
hosts interests or one that reflects

Meals and Dining Etiquette

Show their hands visible at all times during a meal.

Believe in showing elbow at the table is very rude.
Never eat food without a utensil even when eating finger foods.
Following the leader shows good table manners. One must wait until
everyone is served and wait until the host has raised their glass when
drinking.

Business Women in French Business

No gender roles
Respected as well as their make counterparts
Women are accepted in management positions in major cities than provinces

Conclusion
Today, the French business market boasts a variety of international investors and
is an important world supplier of agricultural and industrial products. The country
also demonstrates one of the highest rates of economic growth in Europe.
However, for those wishing to enter the French business environment, an
understanding of the countrys culture is vital .

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