Business Protocol In France

Many French-speaking countries value formality and respect. Therefore, they tend to share some of the more basic principles of proper business meeting etiquette. France enjoys a skilled, well-educated workforce, and professionalism is highly valued in business. While hard work is admired, workaholics are not. It is important to know some general French etiquette tips for business in France. Some include:

1. Be on time: The French appreciate punctuality.

2. Use last names with the appropriate titles: Academic titles and degrees are very important. You are expected to know them and use them properly. Only use their first names if you are specifically invited by your colleagues to use their first names.

3. Shake hands with everyone present when arriving: A handshake may be quick with a light grip. Men usually initiate handshakes with women.

4. Exchange business cards after initial introductions: Exchanging business cards after your initial meeting is considered to be the most appropriate time; as an added gesture, you should include a French translation of your business card on its flipside.

5. Avoid exaggeration: French business people interpret as that as being naïve (innocent or unknowing), boasting (to brag) or rude.

6. Don't be afraid to debate: They value business partners who make logical arguments. If you do not have a common language, hire an interpreter for your meetings.

7. Write up agendas and decisions in a formal matter: Use precision and details when drawing up contracts, agendas or other business documents to be used. As with all your business documents, you should value their business by obtaining French translations of the business documents.

8. Avoiding overly friendly behavior: Make a clear distinction between business and personal and social lives.

9. Dressing conservatively: Men should wear conservative suits and ties, and dress in darker (black) colors, and women should wear conservative suits, pantsuits, or dresses in softer colors.

10. Slow decision making: The French get down to business quickly, but make decisions slowly after much deliberation. They dislike the hard sell approach.

11. State your intentions directly and openly: The purpose of meetings is to brief/coordinate and clarify issues.

Organizations in France are high centralized with a powerful chief executive. Bosses are often dictatorial and authoritative, and their plans are far-reaching and detailed. Their meetings follow an established format (topics to discuss, timeline) with a detailed agenda and the seating is done by rank. Apart from general business etiquette, it is important to know body language etiquette of the French culture. Some include:

1. Do not sit with legs spread apart: Sit up straight with legs crossed at knee or knees together. Feet should never be placed on tables or chairs.

2. Do

...