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Career Abroad is the ideal guide to facts on work culture abroad.

Do's and don'ts on etiquette, work ethics and conversational pleasantries, find them all here.

The French Connection

HIERARCHY RULES

• French business culture is extremely hierarchical, so make sure you use surnames when meeting new people. In fact in many offices, first names are not used.

• “Madame” is to women as “Monsieur” is to men-the basic courtesy to be followed when addressing individuals. Don’t get romantic with Mademoiselle, its generally avoided nowadays.
• The French often introduce themselves with their surnames followed by their first names. The problem arises when both sound like first names. If you do fall into such a trap, be sure to ask. An example, Maurice Francois introduces himself as Francois Maurice.

• Use “Vous” instead of “Tu” until you are asked to use the familiar form. The difference is the same as using “aap” and “tu” in Hindi.

• Similarly, do not use first names until you are invited.

• For casual contacts with waiters or clerks, use Madame and Monsieur. When entering greet with "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir". Upon leaving “Au Revoir” is apt.

• Handshakes are customary. However don’t shake the person up. It’s considered impolite. The correct way is a light grip, single quick shake. In a social gathering it’s the “cheek to cheek” tradition that is followed.

PUNCTUALITY ALERTS
Walk in meetings are rare. You have to take appointments for business and social meetings. It is a good idea to be on time, but a ten-minute delay factor is not considered disrespectful. Accepting or declining an invitation must be attended to promptly through mail or fax. Best time for meetings are 11:00 am or 3:30 p.m. Avoid scheduling appointments in the months of July and August, practically all of France comes to a “halt” this time of the year.

WORK AND PLAY
Business hours are from 8:30 or 9:00 am and finish around 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. Lunch hours usually start at 1:00p.m and lasts for about two hours. With the mandatory reduction of the workweek to 35 hours, executives are getting additional vacation in lieu of shorter working weeks (14 to 16 extra days every year). French employees get five weeks of vacation and take at least three in July or August.

KNOWLEDGE SPEAKS
“Little knowledge is dangerous” in France: so don’t give your opinion if your information is ‘half-baked’. French people take immense pride in their history, culture and politics. It’s a good idea if you go armed with that knowledge.

Also, be prepared to talk about your own heritage. Topics of discussion usually revolve around food, art, music, philosophy, sports and politics.

Avoid discussions that include-
• Political leanings
• Napoleon: the French spirit is identified with what he stood.
• Americanism: this is considered gauche and uncultured
• Personal matters in the very first meeting.

FRENCH DRESSING
Professional attire is expected. Being the fashion capital of the world, you can expect nothing less than a perfect sense of style. Whether they are wearing formal or casual attire, visitors must show the same degree of attention to appearance. A little tip: Be conservative and invest in well-tailored clothes. Men are generally into dark suits, striped or solid shirts. The ties can be contrasting but not too flashy.

BUSINESS ATTITUDE
Good decisions take time. Unlike the Americans who act and react quickly, the French take their own time to take decisions. Here are a few pointers you must keep in mind when doing business with them -
• Always give your business card to people you meet for the first time
• Print your business card in two languages, one side in French and the other in English
• Maintain eye-contact at all times
• Be formal. Casual behaviour is not appreciated
• French are inquisitive. Its likely that they will try and unnerve you during negotiations just to check whether you are aware of every detail in the book. Do your homework well.
• Their letter writing style is very formal and stylised.

BUSINESS ENTERTAINMENT
The French like to know the people they do business with. They spend valuable time over lunch or dinner getting to know their prospective business clients or partners. A typical French meal includes the Entrée, which is, a special type of salad, pate and fish. The main course includes green salad and a cheese dessert.

• Business can be conducted during any meal, especially lunch. Lunch can last two hours. Dinner is late. (8:00 or 9:00 p.m.)

• When eating, keep both hands on the table at all times. Food comes gradually; so don't fill up too soon. When finished, place your fork and knife parallel across your plate. Cheese is served at the end of the meal; don't put it directly on your bread, and do not serve yourself twice.
• Respect privacy. The French close doors behind them; you should do the same. Knock and wait before entering.

GESTURES
• Avoid the “thumbs up” sign, unlike the U.S.A where it means “OK”, in France it stands for “ZERO”.
• Never chew gum in public, its considered to be crude.
• Slapping the open palm over a closed fist is vulgar

GIFTS
• Don't give a business gift on a first meeting.
• Avoid the too lavish and the too modest. Avoid gifts with your company logo. Good taste is everything.
• Don't include your business card with a gift.
• Good gifts include books or music, as they show interest in the intellect. Bring American best sellers, especially biographies. The more complex the book, the better.
• Bring flowers or fine chocolates or liqueur to the host and present them before the party.
• There are ways and there are ways, but certainly the French corporate world does it in style. • If you can imbibe the French business practice, you can be reassured of being able to make your way through with flying colours in the world of business.

O'! one more thing. "French Kiss" would be a nice movie to watch before you get there. One can always pick up a few more pointers. ;-)

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