Global Business Cultural Analysis: France
BUSI 604: International Business
Liberty University
March 5, 2012
Abstract This paper will focus on the many elements and dimensions of France and the affect it has on the business that takes place locally and internationally. There will be constant comparisons and contrasts between France and the United States of America taking place throughout this entire research article. I will focus on how the elements and dimensions of the culture separately are adapted by the locals and integrated into everyday life and business. I will also give insight on how to conduct business in France for other countries, mainly the United States, by talking about the countries imports and exports and
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They have a great appreciation for it, however, they tend to enjoy arguments and disagreements. They look at these things as interesting. They value someone that can argue with great skill. This is a complete contrast of the United States. We tend to try to avoid arguments and look down upon it. We try to be liked and attempt to agree with people that we are trying to build a relationship with or hold a conversation with. The French would rather voice their opinions and appear non-hypocritical than to agree or compromise how they feel. When it comes to interacting with people, France and the United States differ greatly. The people of France tend not to smile or have an expression when meeting new people. In the United States, we tend to smile and greet people as we have known them for a very long time. Edward MacNeal talks about growing up in a bicultural environment and noticing the differences between French and American interactions. He states in his journal French-American Misunderstandings, “…the French don’t smile at people they don’t know. They think it’s hypocritical” (2003). This nature is why many Americans view French people to be rude or snobbish. MacNeal also says that the American assumption is that we are all friends and the French assumption is that we are all strangers. This very assumption could hinder interaction between people of the two nations. So with that being said, when doing business with
France has a very interesting culture. The people are influenced strongly by their traditions. They haven't changed much from their old ways, though they have changed some. The people there have very high values of life and death. The French have a lot of holidays and traditions to go along with their interesting backgrounds and present day life.
There are many cultural differences between the United States and France. Some of these are simply social and others are cultural. Hofstede’s Value Dimensions can be used to highlight the differences between the cultures. Individualism vs collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity/femininity, power distance, and long-term vs short-term orientation are all characteristics that differ between France and the United States.
Etiquette is a hot topic in both of our countries. We both try to be as polite, kind, and as courteous as possible. In reality, most of the things Americans do cross French people as odd or estranged. In both countries, it is considered common courtesy to wait for the host of the dinner to tell you that it is okay to begin eating. One thing I did not know is that in France, it is improper to eat with your hands. In America, we have “finger” foods such as chicken, hot dogs, and hamburgers. In European countries, it is typical to see people greeting one another with a kiss on the cheek. However, in America, this is not the case. We do not go around kissing someone on the cheek in fear of not knowing how the other person will take this gesture. We do hug people to greet them, however. We hug, pat on the back, smile, and ask about health and family. In France, personal space is not as big of an issue as it is in America. The French only use about an arm’s length of personal space. In America, we typically ask for about two to three feet of space in our “personal bubble.” What is considered rude to do in public? Well, in France, it is rude to sniffle or pick your nose, spit, and yawn. Here in America these actions are considered fairly normal. When I walk down the street I hear people sniffling because of the flu, parents yelling at their children to get their fingers out of their noses, and
Some cultural traits that have defined French society and culture since the 16th century are the French music, and art. Both of these play a huge part of the French culture and is part of the main reason why France is known for everything that they do. Many people would ask, “How did France start all of these cultural traits?” A lot of people would also ask “Are there more traits that France has?” I will be talking about in order of what these cultural traits are, why they are important, the influence that these cultural traits had on the French natives and even tourists, and what I think of the French cultural traits.
When referencing Hofstede’s four cultural dimensions it is apparent that the United States and France have different perceptions of one another. The United States views the French as arrogant, flamboyant, hierarchical, and emotional. Whereas, France views the United States as naive, aggressive, unprincipled, and it’s people being workaholics. (Doh and Luthans, 2015)
It was quite different than in America. If you do not say, “hi” to anyone you come into contact when you are considered very rude, same goes for saying, “bye.” When saying, “hello” to some you must follow with a kiss on both sides of the cheek. That is considered polite in France. Where as, America usually says, “hello” with a handshake or a wave (SLO5). Another surprising thing that was very hard for me to get use to was the way couples would show affection to one another in public. It was a lot of affection too. This was probably the hardest to get used to while living in France because when I think of being in a relationship myself, I am not one to show much affection to a boyfriend in public. I find it very gross and disturbing to others. For an example, a group of us girls was waiting in line to ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower and there was a couple in front of us that were all over each other the whole time we were in line. It came off so rude and disrespectful to all the girls, and me, but I guess that is the norm for French people. When it came to personal space in France there was none. For an example, every restaurant in France the sitting was shoulder to shoulder apart from each other. That is some of the aspects of communication and cultural differences I had to adjust to (SLO
Analysis of Japanese Business Culture Along with recent globalization, the business market is now diffused everywhere in the world. Consequently, mega-competition and international co-operation are promoted simultaneously in the field of business. Under this circumstance, learning and understanding the business culture each country has is important to succeed in global business. As business culture is indivisible from a country’s cultural uniqueness, American-style business is formed in the United States, and British-style business is adopted in England.
Lifestyle is the typical way of life of an individual, group, or culture. The “France lifestyle can be a traumatic experience, and most foreigners are shook by the attitudes of French people”(Zimmerman). If you were to walk into a restaurant or even just a pastry shop, you would always have to greet them first or they will not serve you. “In france properties range from derelict farmhouses and barns to modern townhouses and apartments with modern conveniences, but on the other hand manor houses are requiring complete restoration to new luxury chalets and villas”(Zimmerman). Cars driven in France are
The French are all about preserving their culture and being individualized. They often take great pride in the French products and the French style, and believe in keeping the French culture “pure” so they also limit the amount of foreign goods that are being imported. But during the World Wars the French began to allow foreigners to immigrate into France to take jobs due to an increase in job shortages. The immigration from the World Wars added to the diversity of the French culture. Ever since the 1850’s there has been a steady flow of immigration into France, and now nine percent of the French population is made up of immigrants (Gofen 62). The break down of the cultures in France is eighty-five percent of the French population is Roman
Once the above have been dealt with my next priority will be understanding the culture of France. This is very important as it will determine if this business will succeed or fail. It will, therefore, be critical to have an understanding of the culture of the French in terms of how formal or informal they are, the dress code, small talk, getting to know one’s client, language, religion and business traditions.
Culture is a set of norms that set standards for a society of what is acceptable behavior. Culture diversity is the quality of diverse cultures. There are basic standards for social interaction such as personal space distance, eye contact, amount of body language and negotiating style, etc. France is a sovereign state comprising territory in Western Europe and various overseas regions and territories. The metropolitan, area of France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. France has a total population of 66.6 million and spans over 248,573 square miles. France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. France
Compared with the rapid development of foreign enterprises cultural studies, cultural studies for Chinese enterprises is very weak, (Ding, 2014)which is reflected in: First, the culture of Chinese enterprises still remain in the shallow stage, although there are some studies on corporate culture, but the most of them are introduced and discussed the significance of corporate culture and social culture, and business innovation dialectical relationship-based, there are not much theories based on empirical research of qualitative research and normative; second, China corporate culture seriously lags behind cultural development in the practice of Chinese enterprises, many enterprises in shaping corporate culture is mainly within the enterprise own to explore, although some experts and scholars involved, but because of the inherent logic of the development of corporate culture, and the positioning of the corporate culture, corporate culture was lacked from long-term change and other issues in-depth study, therefore, there are not much scientific theory to become the corporate culture practice guidance, and also it is difficult to generate driving force for long-term development of culture. Thus, the company in China should learn from foreign company’s cultural studies, cultural studies will help to have more strengthen for Chinese enterprises, promote the Chinese enterprises cultural development.
French Football Federation, France 's team placed second during the 2006 World Cup, and won the World Cup (while the host nation) in 1998. Unfortunately, along with their respectable second place showing, controversy is also a part of France 's football reputation.The handshake is a common form of greeting.Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek.First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone 's first name.You are expected to say 'bonjour ' or 'bonsoir ' (good morning and good evening) with the
The land that is now modern day France was settled on and colonialized since 6500 BC. The French culture was expressively shaped by its philosophical history, substantial geographical features, participation in the main wars throughout the years, and some of the most inspirational art in the world. Ideally, the French played an important role as a focal point of high culture since the 17th century. The current environment in France is affected by many different variables consisting of political, military, and economical.
Globalization simply defined is the intensification of global interactions. The case studies we have studied depict two of the main types of globalization. Economic Globalization, which is the production, exchange, distribution, and consumption of goods and tangible services, and Cultural Globalization, the exchange of materials and symbols that represent facts, meaning values and beliefs. When Globalization occurs it usually has a major impact on indigenous cultures. Optimists or “champions” state that the relationship between culture and globalization has positive effects as it creates a balance between nations. Conversely, critics state that relationships between the two have negative effects, leading to the loss or deterioration of a