Doing Business in… Jacob Tanti | Filippe Silva | Harold Pijpelink Mattheus Falcao| Niloufar Sayadi Jacob Tanti | Filippe Silva | Harold Pijpelink Mattheus Falcao| Niloufar Sayadi

History of France Stone tools recovered in France suggest that early humans may have inhabited the region at least 1.5 million years ago. Neanderthals, who inhabited France during the Middle Paleolithic period (90,000-40,000 B.C.), are the first known people to have lived in the region. During the last ice age humans called Cro-Magnons lived in France. By about 500 AD a people called the Franks ruled northern France (they gave their name to France). During the 17 th and 18 th century, France was a monarchy 1789: French Revolution Transforming into modern day France

Geography of France in Europe

Five Dimensions of Culture High context, communication is often implied High individualism, uniqueness and freedom of opinion Future oriented Large power distance, strict hierarchy Emotionally expressive communication style

French Culture: Did you know?

McDonald’s in France In 1979 McDonald’s entered the French market Attention to French culture and needs Altered recipes for French market Changes in formula i.e. McCafé, McSalad

Appearance and Dress The French are very conscientious of appearance The higher the position, the more formal the dress code Dress conservative and invest in well-tailored clothing Patterned fabrics and dark colors are most acceptable French businessmen do not loosen their ties or take off their jackets in the office. Women dress conservatively. Avoid bright or gaudy colors Avoid glitzy or overpowering objects, such as flashy jewelry

Body Language Good posture is essential Eye contact, if not too obtrusive Close distance between people, touching and patting is commonplace Slapping an open palm over a closed fist is considered rude The OK sign means "zero" or "useless“. It's best to show approval by raising your thumb The number of times the French kiss each other as a form of greeting varies depending on region

Greetings Handshake Kissing cheeks: Colleagues at work Titles of Courtesy

Dining Etiquette Lunches are the norm when doing business in France. –Lunches usually consist of an appetizer, main course (with wine), cheese, dessert, and coffee. –Up to two hours Rules: Bon Appetit! Pass to the left Wrist above table, eat everything on the plate Be careful with adding salt, pepper, or any sauces The person extending the invitation always pays

Gift Giving Gift giving is not common by the French Host a special event or dinner When invited to dinner… Bring flowers, quality chocolate, or liquor Present the gift before the entertainment begins Send flowers the day of the event Make sure gifts are elegant Do not include your business logo on gifts (vulgar) Don’t bring wine, unless it represents your country or is champagne

Time Structure Strong division between personal and professional life Statutory work week: 35 hours Flexible work hours Long lunch breaks, up to 2 hours Work hours: Offices are open from 8 am or 9 am to 12:00/12:30 pm and then from 2/2:30 pm to 6 pm Retail stores are usually open until 8 pm

Decision Making Traditions French companies tend towards rigid hierarchy Decisions, once taken at senior levels, will be passed down the chain to lower management for implementation Meetings sometimes appear to be a rubber-stamping exercise Pre-meeting lobbying

Gender Roles Mostly traditional More female employment due to government Domestic work division not changing

Authority and Conflict Resolution Cultural values play a big role Authority through merit is respected Conflict is initially resolved through conversation Disagreement is useful Arbitration widely accepted, mediation is not

Works Cited Crompton, Rosemary, and Clare Lyonette. "Work-Life 'Balance' in Europe." Acta Sociologica, 49.4 (2006): "Doing Business in France." Asia News Monitor. March ProQuest. Web. 29 Oct J. Hurn, Brian. "Body Language – a Minefield for International Business People." Industrial and Commercial Training, 46.4 (2014): MACHEREL, CLAUDE. “DON ET RÉCIPROCITÉ EN EUROPE”. European Journal of Sociology / Archives Européennes de Sociologie / Europäisches Archiv für Soziologie 24.1 (1983): 151–166. Web... Paucar-Caceres, A. (2009). Pragmatism and rationalism in the development of management science methodologies in the UK and France. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 26(4), 429.