Nasilevich K.A. Dzhugelia E.Z

Rostov State Economic University, Russia

Social and cultural peculiarities of

business etiquette in France.

Attitudes and values are the foundation of every country’s culture, and are the building bricks for developing business culture. Business executives who hope to profit from their travels to France should learn about the history, culture, and customs of the areas that they wish to visit. Flexibility and cultural adaptation should be the guiding principles for doing business in this country. Business manners and methods, religious customs, the importance of family are all covered in the following sections. Some of the cultural distinctions that businesspeople most often face include differences in business styles, attitudes towards the development of business relationships, attitudes toward punctuality, negotiating styles, gift-giving customs, greetings, significance of gestures, meanings of colours and numbers, and customs regarding titles. The following headings give an insight into the values, attitudes and culture of the French.

In France both business and political life are characterised by a strong hierarchical structure in large companies. Positions and the corresponding power are clearly defined. And when dealing with the French, you should stick to formal etiquette.
Respect for authority in French organisations is based on respect for competence. The PDG (Président Directeur Général) or ‘patron’ (general manager) will be expected to possess a strong authority and general expertise. Usually, the patron does not have any personal relationship with subordinates in or outside of the office. He/she is shielded by his/her secretary. Hence, if you try to contact people at top positions you always have to get past their secretary first!

Strategies are usually developed on a long-term basis. The larger the company, the longer and the more elaborate the planning. Planning is done at the top of an organisation, never by the staff. The PDG decides what has to be done and depicts his/her-ideas.
A vital part of communication in French organisations is partly hidden beneath a complex network of personal ties and alliances that helps people to get things done.
Beyond that, the French language often employs rhetoric and philosophical devices, as an indicator of education and status. The French like abstract reasoning, theories, and logic so much that it sometimes confuses straightforward, pragmatic thinkers, like for instance the British.

The French hold meetings simply to discuss a certain subject at stake, and the time will be used to give instructions and to co-ordinate on-going actions. Important decisions are hardly ever made during the meeting itself.

Corporate social responsibilities.

France’s environmental outlook appears positive, as successive French governments have demonstrated their commitment to protecting the environment, and future governments are expected to continue this trend. France is also a leader in adopting the European Commission’s ‘green paper’ on corporate social responsibility, which requires listed companies to publish information in relation to the environmental and the social impact of their activities, in their annual reports. Thus, companies in France must report on their use of water and natural resources, their emissions of greenhouse gases and energy consumption, and what efforts they have undertaken to reduce environmental risks and to educate their employees about environmental management.

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.

Gift giving.

Gift-giving among business associates is not common practice in France. To express appreciation to a French business contact, it may be better to host a special event or dinner than to give a business gift. If you are invited to a French home, consider it a rare honour. Bring flowers, quality chocolates or liqueur for the host, and present your gift before the entertaining proceeds.

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. Otherwise, present a gift on arrival – this will probably not be unwrapped immediately (unless no other guests are present or expected). 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.

Good gift selections can also include coffee table books about your home country, or anything that reflects the interests of your hosts and is representative of your country. Do not offer gifts with your company logo stamped on them (the French consider this vulgar). French business etiquette dictates that you do not include your business card with a gift. Never send a gift for a French colleague to his/her home unless it is related to a social event.

Business dress code.

As you would expect, the nation that created ‘haute couture’ puts a premium on style. Fashion and appearance are much more important in France than in most other countries in the world. High quality and conservative suits and accessories are recommended. Men should wear dark suits. 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.

The culture and traditions of each country make people behave differently and if international managers do not know how to adapt to business culture differences, they can cause rejection in the other party and even jeopardize the success of the negotiations.