Running Head: Global Business Culture Analysis-France

Global Business Culture Analysis-France

Vanessa D. Goins
Liberty University
International Business
BUSI 604-D19 LUO
Dr. John Karaffa
December 12, 2012

Global Business Cultural Analysis-France

Abstract

In this paper there will be an analysis of taking a look into the Global Business
Culture Analysis of France. In writing this paper four areas of research were
addressed: The major elements and dimensions of culture in France, how these
elements and dimensions integrated by locals conducting business in the nation of
France, a comparison of Frances culture and business and the United States, and
the implications for U.S. businesses that wish to conduct business in France.

Global Business Cultural Analysis-France

Introduction
France is located in Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English
Channel, between Belgium and Spain, south east of the UK; it borders the
Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain. Its terrains vary from mostly flat plains
in the metropolitan France to low-lying coastal plains and mountains. France plays
an influential global role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security
Council, NATO, the G-8, the G-20, the EU, and other multilateral organizations.
France is the largest state in EU and its economy is considered to be well developed.
France is one of the worlds largest trading countries. This paper will address more
about France and its culture and business.
Major Elements and Dimensions of Culture of France
History of France
Emergence of the Nation. The emergence of the modern nation took place
over several centuries and resulted from a combination of the cultural influences of
Gauls, Romans, and Fronks. France was inhabited mainly by the Gauls, a celticlanguage group, when the Roman conquest of the territory began in the first
century B.C.E. The Gallo-Roman period ended when the Frankish peoples began to
enter the territory from the Germanic east during the fifth century, led by Clovis.
The term France comes from the Franks and has three historical meanings. It is
referred to the area around Paris; the Ile-de-France region, which was originally a
duchy; and the area known as the kingdom of France, ruled by Hugh Cupet and his
descendants.
Culture of France

Global Business Cultural Analysis-France

France has been the center of culture since the seventeenth century. It has
been recognized for the resilience of its people and the aesthetic sense in cinema,
cuisine, and fashion. It is today the melting pot of diverse cultures. France still
retains its own unique appeal when it comes to ethnicity, geography, and the French
language. The culture of France has been largely influenced by mandatory defense
service, the Franco-Prussian feud and the World War I and World War II. France
remains a nation of multiple ethnicity and religions, and of regional diversity that
includes French people from around the globe.
Education
According to the OECD, Frances education system is average, compared to
the other developed countries. Education is compulsory in France from the ages of 6
to 16, but a large, majority of children starts school well before the minimum age,
often as young as two year olds, and over 50% of 18-21 year olds in France are still
in full-time education, or else following a vocational training course. 64% of all
school pupils in France complete their secondary education, and take the highschool leaving certificate examinations, known as the baccalaureate of the
baccalaureate professional.
Language and Religion
The language follows a predetermined official originality standard that may
not be mandatory in application everywhere. French is widely spoken across the
globe, in spite of repression of regional and foreign languages in certain countries. It
is part and parcel of the education forum and a popular option n many bilingual
educational institutions. Christianity is the dominant religion and France has the
most concentration of churches and basilicas than other forms of religious buildings.

Global Business Cultural Analysis-France

A fine blend of following of Catholicism, Protestants, Muslims, Jews, and atheists live
in France and add quality to the essence of French character.
Customs and Traditions
The slight regional differences in modern France are displayed in colorful
linguistic tradition, religious tolerance, fashion, family structure, industries and
cuisine. An unusual French tradition of beheading bottles of champagne using a
specially-made saber is popular at weddings. This tradition is said to symbolize
victory. Another popular tradition that is celebrated in France is Bastille Day. Parades
are seen with dancing in the street, cultiminating in fireworks display at night. In
France it is considered rude to point with your index finger, rather than use an open
hand. Another popular tradition is that almost all locals clear out of their cities and
leave on a vacation, either by venturing to the other parts of the world or simply go
camping in their own countryside.
Family & Relationships
The family is the social adhesive of the country and each member has certain
duties and responsibilities. The extended family provides both emotional and
financial support. Despite their reputation as romantics, the French have a practical
approach towards marriage. Families have few children, but parents take their role
as guardians and providers. The French are private people and they have different
rules of behavior for people within their social circle and those who are not. It is only
with their close friends and family that they are free to be themselves.
Elements and Dimensions integrated by locals that conduct business in
France
Communication

Global Business Cultural Analysis-France

It is important to speak French to do business in France. France keeps close

links in the world with French speaking people and French multinational companies
insist on using French, even if the broader language context is English .Shake hands
when meeting and parting and when doing business in France, use first names only
after being invited to do so. Use Monsieur or Madame followed the surname.
Attitude/Business Etiquette
When doing business in meetings in France, remain polite and courteous at
all times. Avoid personal questions. Try not to appear over friendly as this may be
construed as suspicious. Ensure that you have a carefully planned proposal that has
been logically organized and presented. Dress well, the French draw information on
people based on their appearance. Your business attire is a reflection of your
success and social status. Always try to be tasteful, stylish and conservative.
Women are advised to dress simply but elegantly, and wear accessories and makeup is practiced wisely by business women. Men should wear dark-colored suits and
for both men and women, foot wear is important. When packing for France, always
skip the shoes that you would wear on a cold, snowy day and choose the shoes that
you would wear to an evening wedding instead. In the French business world,
making a good impression means being well put together from head to toe.
Comparison of the Unites States and France Culture and Business
The United States has a population of 301,139,947. In the US a firm, short
handshake indicates self-confidence and masculinity. The US does not have an
official language, but English is spoken by about 82% of the population as a native
language. The variety of English spoken in the US is known as American English.
The family unit is generally considered the nuclear family, and is typically small.

Global Business Cultural Analysis-France

Extended family relatives live in their own homes, often at great distances from
their children.
France population is 60, 424,213. Handshakes are light and quick in France, a
strong handshake is considered aggressive. French is the official language of 88% of
the population. Families have few children and private relationships. If the French
live in an apartment building, it is polite to greet your neighbors with the same
appellation. French business behavior emphasizes courtesy and a degree of
formality.
US small businesses have much lower share of employment than the
comparison economies do in the two high-tech fields for which the OECD publishes
data; computer-related services and research and development. French business
can be conducted during any meal, but lunch is best, all business dealings in France
are much more formal than in the US. In the US, business people quickly adopt the
use of first names. In France, one remains Mr. Jones for years.
Implications for US businesses that wish to conduct business in France
Trade and investment / challenges of conducting business
Trade and investment between the US and France are strong. An average
over 1 million dollars in commercial transactions take place between France and the
US every day. France ranks as the US thirteenth largest supplier for imports of goods
and eleventh-largest customer for US exports. The US doing business in France,
they have skilled manpower, good educational and research levels, and excellent
infrastructures. Global companies that are doing business in another country like
France, the additional cultural, legal, and administrative challenges add another
level of complexity and often an additional expense burden. The benefits of doing

Global Business Cultural Analysis-France

business in France are many; in order to eliminate or at least minimize this burden,
many US firms, whether starting a business in France or already doing business
there, are moving towards outsourcing their personnel demands to interim/project
management firms.
Conclusion
In this research paper analysis I have discussed the research questions and
addressed facts about Frances culture and the United States culture and the
comparison of the two countries. By doing this analysis and research, I learned a lot
of interesting facts about France that I never knew about and the United States
being one of Frances trading partners and the US companies that conducted
business in France.

Global Business Cultural Analysis-France

References
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http://www.economywatch.com
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http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-about-the-french-culture.html
http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/France.html
Business Culture Guide. Retrieved December, 2007 from
www.decipher-project.eu/documents/RLNEast/Culture%20Guide.pdf
Doing Business in France/etiquette. Retrieved August 19, 2012 from
www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-france.html
www.businessculture.com/france.html
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retrieved July 20, 2012
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2012