FRANCE CULTURE- BUSINESS NEGOTIATION

© Piyush Daga

FRANCEMost modern and highly-developed countries in the world.

A leader among European nations

French is the national language of France and is highly regarded as a symbol of the culture. The people of France generally prefer to speak and be spoken to, in French.

© Piyush Daga

FRANCE POPULATIONAbout 84% of the French population is Roman Catholic. In addition, 8% are Muslim (mainly North African immigrants), 2% are Protestant, and 1% is Jewish, while 4% are unaffiliated with any religion or church. The church and State have been separate since 1905.

Highest populations in the European Union in 2013 it was over 65 million people. This number includes over 4 million foreign residents and immigrants who live in France.

© Piyush Daga

Five things France is Most Famous For..

© Piyush Daga

1. Wines:Dominates a list of 50 of the world’s most expensive wines.

2. Cheeses:From soft cheeses such as Brie, to goat’s cheeses, blue cheeses and cheeses made from cow’s milk, there are well over 350 cheeses in France.

3. Delicacies:France has made a name for itself for its fine food and pricy delicacies. Some 45 per cent of black truffles are produced in France and just a few shavings of this delicacy - nicknamed black diamonds - come with a hefty price tag. 

4. Monuments:The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of France. In fact, if you haven’t already been there, no trip to Paris would be complete without seeing the tower at first hand.

5. Art and Art Museums:They include the Musee D’Orsay, the Pompidou Centre and of course the Louvre, which is one of the biggest art museums in the world and home to probably the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa.

© Piyush Daga

BUSINESSWOMAN IN FRANCE

Gender does not play a major role in French organisations and businesswomen including foreign women on business in France are as well respected as their male counterparts. Females should be aware that flirting is generally considered normal and acceptable behaviour in France, and is seen as harmless entertainment to lighten the day at work and socially.

© Piyush Daga

The following headings give an insight into the values, attitudes and culture of the French.

1. Punctuality

2. Gift Giving

3. Business Dress Code

4. Social Taboos

© Piyush Daga

PUNCTUALITY

© Piyush Daga

PUNCTUALITY

In France it is vital to ensure that you make appointments for both business and social occasions.

It is not acceptable in France to ‘drop in’ on someone unannounced and such conduct will be taken as an act of rudeness, whatever the occasion.

Punctuality is treated quite casually in France, although there are some regional differences, the further South you go the more casual the approach to time is.

© Piyush Daga

GIFT GIVING

© Piyush Daga

GIFT GIVING

Flowers should be sent in advance on the day of the dinner (popular in Paris) so that the hostess has time to arrange them and is not faced with this task when she is busy with a meal, or else unwrap them before presenting them to your hostess.

When Invited To Dinner

In accordance with the old European tradition, a bouquet should have an odd number of flowers, but never seven or thirteen.

Do not take a gift of wine, since the host usually prefers to make the evening’s selection themselves – this will have been carefully thought out to compliment the food.

If you have been a guest at a dinner party or similar social gathering in a home, ensure that you send a thank-you note to your hosts the next day. Preferably, your note should be handwritten and delivered by La Poste. Sending flowers or a basket of fruit is another thoughtful gesture appreciated by the French.

© Piyush Daga

GIFT GIVING

Gifts are expected for social events, especially as a thank-you after a dinner party. Give candy, macaroons, cakes and flowers. A gift should be of high quality and beautifully wrapped. Give a good quality gift or none at all.

To Take Note of..

Displays of warmth and generosity between business associates are not the norm in French business culture. Giving presents is acceptable here, but one needs to exercise discretion.

Do not offer gifts with the company logo stamped on them (the French consider this vulgar). The French business etiquette dictates that you do not include your business card with a gift.

© Piyush Daga

BUSINESS DRESS CODE

© Piyush Daga

BUSINESS DRESS CODE Fashion and appearance are much more important in France than in most other countries in the world. Even low-paid, entry-level executives buy the best clothes they can afford. Generally, dress tends to be on the formal side for both men and women, whether in business or social situations. As the French will perceive the way you dress as being a reflection of your social status and relative success, do your best to make clothing choices that are tasteful and stylish.

© Piyush Daga

BUSINESS DRESS CODE

Frenchwomen are particularly fashion conscious in both their social and business wear, and are famous for their restrained, feminine chic. Visitors are advised to dress simply and with elegance. A well-tailored business suit or dress is appropriate and good shoes are a must. Careful accessorising (even of simple outfits), is also widely seen in France. French women are also more careful with makeup than many of their European counterparts and place a huge emphasis on skin care and maintaining a slender figure.

For Women..

© Piyush Daga

BUSINESS DRESS CODE

High quality and conservative suits and accessories are recommended. Men should wear dark suits, particularly during the winter and when visiting the north. You’ll notice that men’s suits made in France are cut differently. In France, executives usually do not loosen their ties or take off their jackets while at the office, or in restaurants. Never be the first to shed your jacket. As blue shirts are worn by raw French military recruits, you may be labelled ‘Un bleu’, the French version of a ‘greenhorn’ if you choose blue for your shirt.

For Men..

© Piyush Daga

CULTURAL TABOOS

© Piyush Daga

Don't Start A Conversation In English

Don’t ask “how much is your salary?”

Try not to call or meet anyone during their lunch break 12 till 2pm unless you have been invited for a lunch meeting.

CULTURAL TABOOS

Typical discussion topics do not include your wealth – showing off your wealth is considered bad taste.

Chewing gum in public is considered vulgar.

Keep your hands out of your pockets when in public.

Snapping fingers is also considered offensive.

Slapping an open palm over a closed fist is offensive to the French.

© Piyush Daga

Questions?

© Piyush Daga