Doing Business in France
International Business
“Doing Business in France”
October 6, 2012
Doing Business in France
Culture Issues
It is very important to understand the cultural differences that France possesses compared to the United States before doing business with them. One cultural miscommunication could either make or break the deal. Since France is the 2nd largest trading nation, it is imperative to understand these in order to have a good relationship with them and the ability to export to them.
According to an article on worldbusinessculture.org, France has a great love of and respect for elegance in the use of their language. If you speak poor French it is better to just do it in English. Most businessmen and women speak English as well. However, French is the official language.
To the French, long-term relationships are very important. Relationships are made during lunch or dinner. Food is very important to them. Lunch is a grand affair. This meal is a time for cementing relationships and learning about each other. It is imperative to not begin eating until the host says “bon appetit.” After that, be sure to pass dishes to the left, elbows and wrists off table, and eat everything. Do not add any spices to your dish as it shows you do not like it or that it lacks something. Business should only be discussed over coffee (ibtimes.com). According to an article on internationalbusiness.wikia.com, people in France have a high power distance. The reason that they have this is to avoid conflict with upper management. As well as a high power distance, France also has high uncertainty avoidance. They have a much higher demand for details when creating a contract. People of France are like this to avoid any circumstances which could cause any kind of uncertainty. An article on worldbusinessculture.org states that if the French say “its not logical” they are not going to buy the bike because they believe that problems with it are going to lie ahead.
“Doing Business in France”
October 6, 2012
Doing Business in France
Culture Issues
It is very important to understand the cultural differences that France possesses compared to the United States before doing business with them. One cultural miscommunication could either make or break the deal. Since France is the 2nd largest trading nation, it is imperative to understand these in order to have a good relationship with them and the ability to export to them.
According to an article on worldbusinessculture.org, France has a great love of and respect for elegance in the use of their language. If you speak poor French it is better to just do it in English. Most businessmen and women speak English as well. However, French is the official language.
To the French, long-term relationships are very important. Relationships are made during lunch or dinner. Food is very important to them. Lunch is a grand affair. This meal is a time for cementing relationships and learning about each other. It is imperative to not begin eating until the host says “bon appetit.” After that, be sure to pass dishes to the left, elbows and wrists off table, and eat everything. Do not add any spices to your dish as it shows you do not like it or that it lacks something. Business should only be discussed over coffee (ibtimes.com). According to an article on internationalbusiness.wikia.com, people in France have a high power distance. The reason that they have this is to avoid conflict with upper management. As well as a high power distance, France also has high uncertainty avoidance. They have a much higher demand for details when creating a contract. People of France are like this to avoid any circumstances which could cause any kind of uncertainty. An article on worldbusinessculture.org states that if the French say “its not logical” they are not going to buy the bike because they believe that problems with it are going to lie ahead.