Business Etiquette in Cross Culture

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FRANCE


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France A Quick Overview

Why Talk About France

France On the Cultural Cluster

Social and Business Etiquettes

Dos and Donts


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Quick Facts Full name: French Republic

Population: 62.6 million (UN,2010)

Area: 543,965 sq. km

Major language: French Major religion: Christianity

Main exports:Machinery and transportequipment,agricultural products,including wine

GNI per capita: US $42,680 (WorldBank,2009)

A key player on the world stage and a country at the political heart of Europe


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Hierarchical but GenderNeutral Society


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TheFrench are very conscientious of theirappearance.

One shoulddress in well-tailored

conservativeattire

Dark colors orpatterned fabrics arepreferred. Bright colors andglitzy jewelryshould beavoided.

French mendo not loosen their ties ortake off their jackets. Such behavior isconsidered unprofessional.

French Appearance A Class Apart


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Address them by titleand surnamee.g.Madam Chabert,MonsieurAgnes

Mademoiselle is reserved for younggirls

Vous (you) implies formality andrespect

Use of first name only once instigated by yourcounterpart

Shake hand with every personpresent even children

Touching cheek to cheek is common betweenfamiliaracquaintances

You can easily be termed rude if you dont get the basics right


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Dining is an important part of social life inFrance

Eating with your fingers is uncouth

UseFood utensils even in fast foodrestaurants

Whileasking for Bill snapping fingers at waiter isrude & arrogant

When invited : Dont bringagood bottle wine Start eating only once host invites you to dine Join in with the toast onceadrink is served Wiping theplate clean with bread is common Send flowers ora bottle of good brandy next day

A two Hour Lunch is common inFrance

Dining is an art and not only a necessity


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Punctuality is treated casually

French meals are to beenjoyed,not rushed through.

Handshakes are brief andare

accompanied by distinct eye contact.

Education is very highly valued

Suggestedgifts are books and music,as they demonstrateinterest in intellectual pursuits

Proud of their long history and role in world affairs


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They frequently interrupt each otherbecauseargument is consideredentertaining.

They detest American style of

lectureand wouldrather converse.

Be sensitive of the volume of yourvoice.

French eye contact is frequent andintense.

If you dont speak French,apologize.

Make a respectable attempt to speak some French


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Appointments arenecessary and should be madeatleast 2 weeks inadvance.

Appointments may be made in writing or bytelephoneand,depending upon the level of theperson you are meeting.

Do not try to schedule meetings duringJuly orAugust,as this is a common vacationperiod.

If you expect to bedelayed, telephone immediatelyand offeranexplanation.

Meetings are to discuss issues,not to makedecisions.

Avoidexaggerated claims,as theFrench do notappreciate hyperbole

Informal behaviour can be perceived as insincerity


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Business is conducted slowly. BePatient

Avoid confrontational behavior or high-pressure tactics.

Business is hierarchical.

TheFrench are often impressed with gooddebating skills

Discussions may be heatedand intense.

Agreements need to be formalized inanextremely comprehensive,preciselyworded contract

Long winding discussions dont mean you wont seal the deal


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Learn some basic French phrases Stand close while talking EyeContact is important but shouldn't

be obtrusive Raise thumb to show approval Express opinions on the subjects you know Be prepared to answer questions about

country & history French Cuisine,art andMusic aregood

conversation topics Wear only conservative clothes of finest

quality Maintaingoodposture

Dont get perturbed by intensediscussions

Dont attempt kiss greeting till your

female counterpart makes the initialmove

Keep your hands out of pocket Dont use OK sign.It means useless in

France. Dont criticizeNapoleon! Dont arrive in t-shirt and shorts, if you

get an invitation stating informaldress.

Dont use two sided business cards Dont try to hurry French decisions

BeGenuine and Sincere even if you are not able to follow the guidelines


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Documents

Business Etiquette in Cross Culture