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Communication in French Business Culture

By Gisel Olivares

Mademoiselle? Did you know, that France “bid adieu” to

“mademoiselle” back in February of 2012?

No longer seeing a need to differentiate

between a woman who is married and one

who is not.

Call a young woman that now in a French

workplace and you will probably be

frowned upon, especially if you are

talking to a feminist.

The Eiffel Tower

Hierarchy

The rules of communication

in the French business

culture are simple: show

respect, be courteous and be

aware of the “Eiffel Tower”

hierarchy.

• The “Eiffel Tower” management structure consists of firm separations between those in higher positions and the rest of the company.

• In a French company, having access to information is a significant basis for authority and supremacy.

Be Courteous

• Corporate communication is much more formal

in French business culture,

using Monsieur (M.) and Madame(Mme.).

• Managing communication in France consists

of diplomacy while remaining courteous.

• Ever heard that the French were rude? That is

because they are not reluctant to be direct

about what they think or feel.

• They are also not afraid of conflict with their

co-workers, meaning that speaking their minds

tends to come easily to them, even in the

workplace.

Networking in French Business Culture

• Decision-making is prone to be delayed by this

meticulous corporate ranking and exclusivity

of administration in French business culture.

• Usually, there is a lot of policy to get through;

so how do you cut through it? Networking.

• The “réseau” (network) you are part of can help

give you with “special treatment” or advantages

in your professional or personal life.

Networking Cont’d…

• Networking can also help you advance

sooner when doing business in France.

• Once again, this is because many

businesses in France will have a very

visible hierarchy that is frequently

made up of a complex network of

cliques.

• The younger generation is trying to

break free from this hierarchy system

by implementing more open-minded

concepts and being flexible to change.

Taboos• Taboos are rare in French business culture and social environment, despite the

seemingly strict hierarchy.

• First, always attempt to speak French, do not simply start a conversation in

English.

• If the conversation continues in English, do not overrate the person or group’s level

of capability and understanding of the language.

• Second, if you are exchanging “les bises” (double-kisses, one on each cheek) do not

reach out to shake their hand.

Business Meetings

Still interested in business with the French?

• Keep in mind is to stay clear of demanding

sales strategies.

• Do not pressure them into making hasty

decisions.

• Hostile selling methods will not work with the

French.

• During a business meeting, be ready for a lot

conversation and swapping of information.

• Remember to be patient because decisions are

not often made in the first meeting.

Business Meetings Cont’d…

• Be sure to arrive completely ready even to

initial meetings with sharp ideas and well

thought out arguments.

• Aim to be on time to these meetings, but being

5 minutes late is alright.

• If you are running 10-15 minutes, call to let

them know.

• After 20-minutes late, you should reschedule

the meeting.

Parting Facts

• As the largest country in the European

continent, thus also the most diverse

with over 66 million inhabitants, its

strategic location makes it a central

point for connecting with the rest of the

world.

• Both the location and current economic

status of France are great elements that

can support an international brand,

local business or the expansion of your

business on a global scale.

Why work with the French?

• What makes the French business

culture so great to work with is the

French peoples’ level of respect and

courtesy amongst each other in the

workplace.

• It is also nice to work with their laid-

back approach when it comes to

meetings and work hours; full time

being typically 35 hours a week.

• Despite the hierarchy, with younger

management and startups rising,

working with the French proves to be

flexible and beneficial.

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