FRANCE BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Bonjour Madame’s and Monsieur’s! This blog is to give you information on business etiquette in France. 

Location and Climate for winter and summer

France is in Western European nation and is the largest land area and lies between the Mediterranean Sea on the southeast and the Bay of Biscay and English Channel to the north and west. The climate is generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, and north-to-northwesterly wind known as mistral.

Population: 60,424,213 (July 2004 EST.)

Two Levels of Business Culture Formality

In France, business takes place in two different levels. The French believe in appearing quite formal in their greetings, manners and in language. One level appears to be professional, organized, and open to new business. Underlying the first level, the second is the most important aspect to the business culture. The second is the network of personal relationships, ties, alliances, and factions that drives business.

Business Etiquette Tips Specific to Different French-Speaking Countries

• Guinea:   Are less formal and you should still wear a collared shirt and tie to business                  meetings.
• France:   Mealtimes are not considered proper times to have a meeting. Wait at least until the dessert course to bring up business.
• Monaco:  Wearing full suits and scheduling formal appointments are foundations of doing business. Monaco business finds it quite rude to start in French and finish in English and make sure if you are not strong on the French language, use a French interpreter.

Greetings in Business, Family, and Close Friends

When doing business with France, the handshake is the formal way of greeting. Friends may greet by a kiss on both checks. Use their surname following either Madame or Monsieur until invited to use their first name. First names are reserved for family and close friends. Academic titles and degrees are very important. You need to make sure you use them properly and know them well. Even if you don’t speak French, make sure you use “bonjour' or 'bonsoir” (good morning or good evening) along with using Madame or Monsieur and their surname. When saying goodbye use

 “au revoir.” The French are very proud of their language and showing an interest promotes good relations.

Work Cited

« France - Cultural Etiquette - E Diplomat. » France - Cultural Etiquette - E Diplomat. N.p., n.d. Web. 25    May 2013.

Http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/france-country-profile.html. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2013.

Http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-france.html. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May 2013.

“Foreign Translations, Inc.” French Business Etiquette Tips. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2013.

“Encyclopedia of the Nations.” France. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2013.

YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 27 May 2013

Http://www.houseoffrance.org/animated/Franch_flag_waving.gif. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 May 2013.