Corporate Culture
Professionalism is highly valued in business and is the key to acceptance of outsiders.
France enjoys a skilled, well-educated labor force. Hard work is admired, but workaholism is not.
Be on time. The French appreciate punctuality.
Give business cards to the receptionist or secretary upon arrival to an office and to each person you meet subsequently. Print cards in English or French. Include academic degree and/or title.
Many French speak and understand English, but prefer not to use it. An interpreter will probably not be necessary, but check ahead of time. Use French only for greetings, toasts and occasional phrases unless your French is perfect.
Government plays a major role in business. Find a local representative (banker, lawyer or agent) to help you through regulatory obstacles.
Business people tend to be formal and conservative. Business relationships are proper, orderly and professional.
Don't discuss personal life with business people. Personal lives are kept separate from business relationships.
The French get down to business quickly, but make decisions slowly after much deliberation.
Organizations are highly centralized with a powerful chief executive. Bosses are often dictatorial and authoritative
French are leaders in the area of economic planning. Plans are far-reaching and detailed.
Entering a room and seating is done by rank.
Meetings follow an established format with a detailed agenda.
The French dislike disagreeing and debating in a public forum, but enjoy a controlled debate, whereby an informed rebuttal is appreciated.
The purpose of meetings is to brief/coordinate and clarify issues. State your intentions directly and openly.
Presentations should be well prepared, comprehensive, clear, well-written, informative and presented in a formal, rational, professional manner -- appealing always to the intellect.
The French dislike the hard sell approach.
Things actually get done through a network of personal relationships and alliances.
Avoid planning business meetings during August or two weeks before and after Christmas and Easter period
Do not call a French businessperson at home unless it is an emergency.