http://businessculture.org - Find out about business culture in France. This guide is part of the Passport to Trade 2.0 project which examined European Business culture in 31 countries looking at business communication, business etiquette, business meeting etiquette, internship and student placements, cost of living, work-life-balance and social media guide.

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businessculture.org
Business Culture
in France
http://businessculture.org/westerneurope/business-culture-in-france/
Content Template
businessculture.org
Content
Germany
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This
publication reflects the view only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held
responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
Business
Culture
in
France
........................................................................................................
4
Xenophobia: being a foreigner in Germany ........................................................................................ 5
General Education ............................................................................................................................... 6
Educational standards .......................................................................................................................... 6
Other Issues such as transportation infrastructure ............................................................................... 6
Cultural taboos ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Business
Communication
........................................................................................................
10
Face-to-face communication .............................................................................................................. 10
Language Matters............................................................................................................................... 11
Business Relationships ........................................................................................................................ 12
Making contact ................................................................................................................................... 12
Personal Titles .................................................................................................................................... 13
Business
Etiquette
..................................................................................................................
14
Corporate Social Responsibility ......................................................................................................... 14
Punctuality .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Gift giving ........................................................................................................................................... 15
Business Dress Code ........................................................................................................................... 16
Bribery and corruption ....................................................................................................................... 17
Business
Meeting
Etiquette
....................................................................................................
18
Importance of Business Meeting ........................................................................................................ 18
Business Meeting planning ................................................................................................................. 19
Negotiation process ............................................................................................................................ 19
Meeting protocol ................................................................................................................................ 20
How to Run a Business Meeting ........................................................................................................ 21
Follow up letter after meeting with client ........................................................................................... 21
Business meals .................................................................................................................................... 21
Business Meeting tips.......................................................................................................................... 22
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Internship
and
placement
.......................................................................................................
23
Work experience................................................................................................................................. 23
Internship and Placement advice ....................................................................................................... 23
Social security and European health insurance ................................................................................. 23
Safety .................................................................................................................................................. 23
Do I need a visa? ................................................................................................................................ 24
Internship and placement salary ........................................................................................................ 24
Internship and placement accommodation ........................................................................................ 24
Cost
of
Living
...........................................................................................................................
25
Money and Banking ........................................................................................................................... 25
Traveling costs .................................................................................................................................... 25
Work-­‐life
Balance
....................................................................................................................
27
National holidays ................................................................................................................................ 27
Working hours .................................................................................................................................... 28
Working culture .................................................................................................................................. 28
Health insurance ................................................................................................................................ 28
Social
Media
Guide
.................................................................................................................
30
Private individuals/Students .............................................................................................................. 30
SMEs .................................................................................................................................................. 31
Search and Social Media Marketing for International Business ........................................................ 31
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Business
Culture
in
France
Did you know about business culture in France? Watch this video animation to find out some
interesting facts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UVZzydTzeyw
France is one of the most modern and highly-developed countries in the world, with one of
the largest economies, and is a leader among European nations. While France continues to be
proud of its rich history and independence, French leaders are increasingly seeking to tie the
future of France to the continued development of the European Union.
France has a surface area of over 550,000 km2 (215,000 miles2), including overseas
territories. This makes it the largest country in Western Europe. Due to its overseas
departments and territories scattered worldwide, France possesses one of the largest Exclusive
Economic Zones (EEZ) in the world, covering over 11,035,000 km2 (4,260,000 miles2).
It lies on the western edge of the continent of Europe and shares its borders with six
neighbouring countries: Belgium and Luxembourg to the north; Germany and Switzerland to
the east; Italy to the south-east and Spain to the south-west. The geographical position of
France gives the country two salient advantages. On the one hand, partly due to its excellent
communications network, it is a crossroads at the heart of the European Union. It is linked to
the east by the vast industrial and urban area stretching from the mouth of the Rhine, which
forms the border with Germany, and to the plains of the Po River in the north-west. On the
other hand it is within easy reach of the industrial centres of the United Kingdom and to the
south it forms an integral part of the Mediterranean arc running from Catalonia to central
Italy. The French coastline provides access by sea to Northern Europe, America and Africa
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via the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, which are amongst the world’s
busiest waterways.
France has one of the highest populations in the European Union in 2013 it was over 65
million people. This number includes over 4 million foreign residents and immigrants who
live in France.
French is the national language of France and is highly regarded as a symbol of the culture.
The people of France generally prefer to speak and be spoken to, in French. Regional dialects
found in certain areas include Alsatian (a German dialect), Flemish, Breton, Basque,
Provencal, Catalan, and Corsican; however, these are declining in usage. In addition, the large
immigrant population brings numerous other languages, adding to the ethnic diversity of
France.
About 84% of the French population is Roman Catholic. In addition, 8% are Muslim (mainly
North African immigrants), 2% are Protestant, and 1% is Jewish, while 4% are unaffiliated
with any religion or church. The church and State have been separate since 1905.
France is in the Central European Time (CET) zone. French Summer Time starts from March
and ends in October days vary dependent on the year but usually these are the last Sundays of
the month.
France can be divided into three broad climatic regions. The oceanic region in the west
experiences very little temperature change between summer and winter, and has rain yearround. In the north eastern and interior areas, including Paris, the climate is continental, with
cool winters, warm summers, and a distinct spring and autumn. Southern France has a
Mediterranean climate, with warm dry summers and mild, often wet, winters. ‘Le mistral’, a
cold dry northerly wind blows into the southern region often for days at a time in the winter
and spring and comes from La Vallée du Rhône near Lyon.
Xenophobia:
being
a
foreigner
in
Germany
France is a diverse country, this is due to its large geographic area and regional differences as well as
being a consequence of immigration resulting from France’s colonial past. Despite this, attitudes to
foreigners vary but in general, the French are not very tolerant of foreigners. For example, wearing of
a full head covering veil in public is banned by law whether you are French or not – the principle of
French laïcité states that nobody can show their religion publicly. The (official) reason for the banishment
of the full head covering is security.
France has played an important role for centuries as a cultural centre and is noted for its cosmopolitan,
civilised approach to life, combined with a great concern for style, fashion and appearance. France’s
distinguished individuality is an important cultural characteristic that is encapsulated by the French
passion for uniqueness and freedom of opinion, both in society and in business.
One aspect of French culture that has a major influence on business in France is the country’s
attention to rules and regulations. The French have a low tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity,
which, for those wishing to conduct business there , is significant in that they are reluctant to take risks.
France has always played a crucial part in both European and World events. After experiencing two
World Wars, the loss of an Empire and numerous political and social upheavals, France has emerged
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as a vital component in the European Community with a strong sense of pride and heritage. Today,
the French business market boasts a variety of international investors and is an important world
supplier of agricultural and industrial products. The country also demonstrates one of the highest rates
of economic growth in Europe. However, for those wishing to enter the French business environment,
an understanding of the country’s culture is vital.
General
Education
Since World War II, the education system has been dramatically overhauled. This was designed to
accommodate the increasing numbers of children who carry on developing themselves through study
beyond primary school. Consequently, collèges, lycées and higher education institutions have expanded
their offerings to accommodate the demand for the development of a highly skilled work force.
School education is compulsory in France from 6 to 16 years of age which has resulted in a high adult
literacy rate currently standing at 99%. As with other governmental organisations, the French
education system is centralised and managed through a number of hierarchies, which are divided into
the following stages:
•
primary education (enseignement primaire);
•
secondary education (enseignement secondaire);
•
tertiary or college education (enseignement supérieur)
Although private schools are available, primary and secondary education, are dominated by public
offerings. On the other hand, tertiary education has a higher number of privateoptions.
France is approximately in the middle of international tables, in respect of the proportion of students
going to university. The majority of students attend the Grandes Écoles of France. These are private
establishments and generally specialise in a single subject area such as business. The selective process
involved when students join Grandes Écoles results in moderate class sizes. The selectivity also adds to
the perception of prestige which is confirmed by the tradition of the Grandes Écoles producing the
majority of France’s scientists and leading executives.
Educational
standards
In France, individuals have life-long access to education and training, at school or university, in the
case of pupils and students, and in the form of continuing vocational training for anyone already in
work.
Computer literacy is a given when doing business in France. As in most other E.U countries,
technological understanding is taken for granted in business activities. The following sections introduce
the importance of education and training and its relevance to doing business in France. Also examined
is the area of foreign language competency and important cultural awareness issues.
Other
Issues
such
as
transportation
infrastructure
Cultural Issues
The French are very proud of their independence and culture. For successful business liaisons, it is
important to be aware of their cultural distinctions.
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The French flag has three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red. This became the flag
during the French Revolution and was made popular by Marquis de Lafayette. It is commonly known
in France as the ‘drapeau tricolore’ (Tri-colour Flag).
Marianne is a symbol of the French Republic. She is an allegorical figure of liberty and the Republic
and first appeared at the time of the French Revolution. Under the Third Republic, statues, and
especially busts, of Marianne began to proliferate, particularly in town halls. She was represented in
several different modes, depending on whether the aim was to emphasize her revolutionary nature or
her “wisdom” and she appears on everyday articles such as postage stamps and coins.
Famous French actors, including Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve, have been given the title of
Marianne. Recent ones include Sophie Marceau, and Laetitia Casta.
Businesswomen
Gender does not play a major role in French organisations and businesswomen including foreign
women on business in France are as well respected as their male counterparts. . However, it should be
noted that women are more readily accepted in management positions in the major cities than in the
provinces, where some gender inequality can still be found. Females should be aware that flirting is
generally considered normal and acceptable behaviour in France, and is seen as harmless
entertainment to lighten the day at work and socially. Harmless flirting however, should not be
confused with sexual harassment, which is completely unacceptable; for example, paying appreciative
comments on a colleague’s dress or perfume choice could be considered sexual harassment in some
countries, but in France it is considered a genuine compliment and as such is appreciated. However, as
with many other cultural norms, trying to emulate your French co-workers in flirting should only be
done if you can do it elegantly, since crossing the line into vulgarity and roughness can get you into
trouble.
Transportation
There are significant differences in lifestyles with respect to transportation, between urbanised regions
such as Paris, and smaller towns and rural areas. In Paris, and to a lesser extent in other major cities,
many households do not own a car and simply use the efficient public transport.
Roads
Paris has an excellent system of roads, although driving there is not for the faint-hearted. It is better
not to drive anyway, since the public transport is excellent. Taxis cruise the streets in Paris. They can
also be found at taxi stands by the train station and in the main squares. Nearly all are radio taxis and
can be summoned quickly to your hotel by the concierge. All taxis have meters, and there are
surcharges for trips to the airport, Sunday travel, late hours and baggage.
Bus & Metro
France’s bus system is mostly run by the national railroad, the SNCF, with routes replacing or
supplementing the train lines. Municipal buses in Paris are user-friendly, with well-posted routes.
Paris’s subway system is called the Metro and is clean, efficient, and reliable. Metros run from 5:30am
until 00:30am (after midnight).
Rail
The train service in France is efficient, punctual, and comfortable and is one of the most popular ways
to get around. France’s extensive railway network connects large cities and towns throughout the
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country. Smaller towns without train stations are generally linked by a bus service to the nearest
station. The French National Railroads’ (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer or SNCF) network of
inter-city rail links also provides a frequent express and high-speed train service known as the TGV or
Train à Grande Vitesse. Operating at commercial speeds of 186mph, the high-speed network also
includes European routes, featuring the Eurostar which connects Paris to London in just 2h35 and the
Thalys going to Brussels and Amsterdam in 1h30 and 4 hours respectively. For added convenience,
Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and Lyon Saint-Exupery Airports have stations accommodating high-speed
train.
Euro-tunnel
If you are coming from the United Kingdom, you can use the Euro-tunnel to get to France. Euro
tunnel’s car carrying service runs via the Channel Tunnel from Folkestone to Calais/Coquelles.
Taking as little as 35 minutes platform to platform, it is a fast and exciting way to reach France and
beyond. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with up to 4 departures an hour at peak
periods.
Airports
France’s airport network includes 27 airports and serves 130 countries. Its international airports are
based in Paris, (Roissy-Charles De Gaulle and Orly) with smaller airports located in Marseille, Lyon,
Toulouse, Strasbourg and Lille. France handles 6,200 flights every week. The two Paris airports
handle 20% of the total airfreight in the European Union andtheir traffic growth, more than 10% per
year, is far greater than most other European airports (2 to 3% per year). 600 enterprises, employing
more than 55,000 people (of which 12,000 work in logistics), have based their operations there because
of the location in the heart of the Paris Basin, the region of Europe with the highest GDP.
Ferries
There are many connections to France by sea. Routes operate from ports in Ireland, the U.K and
other European countries to ports in Le Havre, Cherbourg, Calais, Boulogne and Dunkerque. A list of
the main shipping companies in the U.K is attached.
Cultural
taboos
In France there are a number of issues that are considered inappropriate and that you should
be aware of in order to avoid insulting your French counterparts and showing disrespect for
their views and values:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Don’t start a conversation in English, try to speak French even if your language
knowledge is limited, you will increase your chances of a positive business meeting.
Don’t ask “how much is your salary?”
Do not shake hands if you are exchanging ‘la bise’ – the kiss on the cheek, which is
done at least twice.
Do not address anyone with “tu” – which is the informal term for ‘you’ use “vous”
instead.
Try not to call or meet anyone during their lunch break 12 till 2pm – unless you have
been invited for a lunch meeting.
Typical discussion topics do not include your wealth – showing off your wealth is
considered bad taste.
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
French organisations are very hierarchical and communications across these lines can
be a time consuming process, if you want to speak to the manager, speak to them
directly.
Chewing gum in public is considered vulgar.
Keep your hands out of your pockets when in public.
Slapping an open palm over a closed fist is offensive to the French.
Snapping fingers is also considered offensive.
It is extremely bad manners to ask a French individual about his political leanings or
how he voted. You can enquire however about the political system or public opinion
about political leaders.
Do not criticize Napoleon, since he represents a part of the French spirit.
Refrain from using any standard conversation openers such as, ‘What do you do?’
Politeness is of the utmost importance to the French. Any rudeness will not be easily
forgotten or forgiven.
Understanding and respecting these issues will make a significant contribution towards
understanding French culture and building and maintaining strong and solid business
relationships.
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Business
Communication
In business and in the workplace, on the domestic front and in our social lives, we can all benefit from
more effective communication skills. Every country has its own way of saying things. Communicating
across cultures begins with the basic understanding that one size does not fit all. Simply because you
practice certain cultural habits or patterns, does not mean that the rest of the world does. Failing to
recognize and adapt to this diversity can mean the difference between a successful transaction and
failure.
The main criterion for effective communication is to understand the culture of the country you are
doing business with. Culture provides a framework for acceptable behaviour and differences in ideals
need to be recognised, valued and appreciated before any real communication can take place.
Gestures and conversation may vary between your country and France. Topics and gestures you may
deem normal and acceptable, may be viewed as taboo subjects . Such errors in communication may
have a serious impact on the success of the negotiation process. While France is a culturally aware
nation, the French also have high expectations when it comes to understanding their culture – so
preparation is a must if you are to create a positive image from the beginning.
To become successful as a cross-cultural communicator:
•
Remember that your own culture provides an acceptable framework for behaviour and belief.
•
Be aware that your preferences and behaviours are culturally based and not the “correct” or
only ones.
•
Become sensitive to a range of verbal and non-verbal signals.
•
Have an open mind towards the views of others and their ways of doing things.
•
Remember there are no universal gestures
The following section will provide you with information on both verbal and non-verbal
communication in France. A focus on the initial stage of contact is followed by the application of
communication skills in French business practice.
Face-­‐to-­‐face
communication
First impressions are very important to the French, and may have a strong impact on the outcome of
your business relationship. There are a number of verbal and non-verbal communication issues you
should consider when doing business in France:
Verbal Communication:
•
You will find that conversations often develop into spirited debates. Therefore, give opinions
only on subjects that you are knowledgeable about, otherwise you might be expected to
elaborate and defend your views.
•
Studying French history, politics, and other aspects of the culture will be an advantage for you
in conversation with the French.
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•
Be prepared to answer questions about your own country, especially regarding its history and
political matters. There is rarely a moment of silence, except when the topic under discussion
has been exhausted, and nothing new has been introduced.
•
Welcome topics of conversation include: food/praising French cuisine, art, music, and
philosophy, sports and current events/history of France (but only if you know what you’re
talking about especially with regard to Napoleon) – French people love talking about food so
this should be an easy subject if you have to choose one.
Non-Verbal Communication:
•
Because of their Latin background, the French, not unlike the Italians, express themselves with
more gestures and more emphasis than for example the Irish or British.
•
Give business cards to the receptionist or secretary upon arrival at an office and to each person
you meet subsequently.
•
Print cards in English or French, preferably both.
•
Include your academic degree and/or title, as the French place great importance on these.
Communicating across cultures takes sensitivity and awareness. By studying other cultures, we become
more aware and are able to adapt in our efforts to communicate. Regarding tips for integrating oneself
into the culture, and effecting communication, a twist on the old cliché, “when in France, do as the
French do,” is a good rule of thumb, in order to demonstrate a respect for the culture. When these
attempts are accompanied by a genuine interest to learn and a considerable amount of humility, a
foreign business counterpart will impress his French hosts as a considerate individual. He/she will be
forgiven the occasional inevitable faux pas.
Language
Matters
French is the only official language in France. However, there are also several regional languages
spoken, mostly by elderly residents. English is widely taught in schools because of its importance in
international trade as a “global language”. Consequently, in France most of your counterparts will be
able to understand you if you speak English, especially if they are of the younger generation.
As political and economic issues become increasingly international in scope, there is a growing need
for Europeans to be competent in foreign languages. A command of French can be an asset to a career
in business or international affairs. The business person who can do business with a foreign customer
in his or her own language will have an edge. Large and small companies are recognising this as the
global market becomes more competitive. A basic competence in French, combined with training in
business may open opportunities in France to a variety of small to medium sized enterprises that are
active in the European Union
Despite their knowledge of and competence in the English language, the French consider their use of
French as a sign of respect for their culture. Therefore, to make your business negotiations easier you
should at least try to use some French when dealing with French counterparts. It is helpful at your first
meeting with a French-speaking individual, to apologise if you cannot speak French fluently. This
creates respect for the French culture and reduces any stigma about potential ignorance.
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Many French speakers consider themselves and their language as being under attack by the wide use
of international English, therefore if you are able to show willing, it is more important than being a
fluent speaker.
For example, if you cannot speak French, preface what you are saying whenever possible with:
‘Excusez-moi, s’il vous plait, de vous deranger, mais je ne parle pas bien francais’ (‘Please excuse me for troubling
you, but I do not speak French very well’). This introduction is likely to break the ice and help you to
get a response. Do not see it as offensive if people help you by correcting your language – they are
being courteous. If your counterpart’s voice rises to a high pitch during discussions, do not be alarmed
since the French do like to express their interest in the subject areas being discussed by raising their
voice.
Business
Relationships
There exists a strong, vertical hierarchy in French business culture. French bosses generally favour a
dictatorial and authoritative leadership style. However, it is essential that you work successfully with all
levels of the business organisation, despite the clear hierarchical structure. This said, only the most
senior individuals can make the final decisions in business.
The French have an inherent sense of privacy and there is a definite distinction between business and
personal life. Respecting this privacy is particularly important when working in France. In accordance
with French business culture, relationships must be formed first, before business can begin.
Business correspondence in France is very impersonal in nature. Letters will start with a prefix alone
(i.e., Monsieur) or with the prefix followed by a title (i.e., Monsieur le Ministre). Closing salutations will
be replaced by an entire paragraph, which translated into English couldread, “I beseech you, sir, to
accept the assurance of my most distinguished sentiments”. In order to avoid blunders, even French
secretaries need specific training in how to address individuals, depending on their rank and the nature
of the message.
Overall, the French respect a cautious, incremental approach to business relationships. This pervades
all areas of their business culture, from correspondence to dress. It is advisable to be well prepared,
with all documents translated and presented with the necessary supporting materials. If one is
prepared to answer all questions in an articulate and logical manner, the French will be impressed by
the value and quality of the company’s product or service – thus ensuring the development of a
positive relationship.
Making
contact
The French in general are typically conservative when it comes to body language. However, despite
the formality of French business culture, people tend to have smaller personal space and are happy to
stand within arms length when speaking to one another. The personal space also varies between those
living in the country (preferring more distance) to those in larger cities (happy with smaller distances)
who tend to use the Metro and crowded places more often. Moreover, do not be alarmed if your
counterpart touches your shoulder or pats you on the arm, since this is commonplace and usually
within the bounds of French business etiquette.
In France men tend to stand up, or at least indicate a move to do so, whenever a superior in terms of
rank makes an entrance. This is a sign of respect and an opportunity to show your good posture, which
is used as a sign of good upbringing and education.
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Handshakes are expected as a form of greeting, however a more friendly greeting practice is kissing on
the cheeks. When “air kissing” your cheeks can touch but not your lips – one kiss on each cheek –
(across genders) starting with a kiss to your left first and then one to your right. The practice of kissing
is also used as a greeting by colleagues at work on a daily basis. The kissing practice is not extended to
unfamiliar people and if you are meeting for the first time, you should wait until your female
counterparts have initiated the move – this is just a warm greeting and should not be interpreted as
anything more than that.
Eye contact is important to show your trustworthiness and interest in the meeting, however, constant
eye contact such as staring is considered inappropriate, especially during a first business meeting.
Smiling has no impact in communicating a greeting or as a sign of agreement. Expressive use of hands
to communicate should be kept to a minimum in most conversations.
As business people tend to be formal and conservative, business relationships are orderly and
professional. Keep the hierarchy in mind and this will help you maintain proper distance and contact.
Personal
Titles
The French are a formal nation and tend to make extensive use of titles, especially in corporate life.
Some individuals have family names which include a “de” or “d’” prefix, this is usually an indication
of nobility. The same applies to academic titles and degrees, which are very important, and you are
expected to use them in all conversations. The French language is highly regarded as a symbol of the
culture and the use of it is an indication of respect for it. When developing a business relationship, it is
important for the visitor to make an effort to speak French and to address their counterparts by title
and in French.
The use of last name terms and relevant titles must be made until you have been specifically invited to
use first name terms. The use of first name terms is mainly reserved for close friends and family, but
colleagues with the same level of responsibility generally use first names in private, but titles and last
name terms in public. However, this practice is less frequent when there is an age gap or a
considerable disparity in the status of counterparts and in these cases formal terms are used at all times.
Where names and titles are unknown you should use ‘Monsieur’ or ‘Madame’. When you are
addressing people as Monsieur, Madame or Mademoiselle, do not use their surname. Madame is a
basic title of courtesy used for all adult women, married or single, over 18 years of age (except for
waitresses, who are addressed as Mademoiselle). The word Mademoiselle cannot be used in formal
administrative paperwork anymore. ‘Monsieur’ is the courtesy title for men.
The order of first name and last name is also particular – the French tend to use the last name first and
first name second. This can cause some misunderstandings since both could sound as if they are first
names. For example “Pierre Paul” or “Jason Andrew”. If unsure, it is best to double check and look at
their business card or signature on the documents you might have from their correspondence. There
are also instances where, the last name could be substituted by the person’s official title (e.g., Monsieur
le President).
The use of the familiar “tu” or “less formal you” should be reserved for small children. The “vous” or
“formal you” is obligatory in business culture. You may be invited to use ‘tu’ but until you are it is
safer to use “vous” so as not to cause offence.
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Business
Etiquette
Attitudes and values are the foundation of every country’s culture, and are the building bricks for
developing business culture. Cultural influences, communities. attitudes and behaviour vary within and
across nations and within and across ethnicities, and are strongly embedded in
Business executives who hope to profit from their travels to France should learn about the history,
culture, and customs of the areas that they wish to visit. Flexibility and cultural adaptation should be
the guiding principles for doing business in this country. Business manners and methods, religious
customs, the importance of family are all covered in the following sections. Some of the cultural
distinctions that businesspeople most often face include differences in business styles, attitudes towards
the development of business relationships, attitudes toward punctuality, negotiating styles, gift-giving
customs, greetings, significance of gestures, meanings of colours and numbers, and customs regarding
titles. The following headings give an insight into the values, attitudes and culture of the French.
Corporate
Social
Responsibility
France’s environmental outlook appears positive, as successive French governments have
demonstrated their commitment to protecting the environment, and future governments are expected
to continue this trend. France is also a leader in adopting the European Commission’s ‘green paper’ on
corporate social responsibility, which requires listed companies to publish information in relation to
the environmental and the social impact of their activities, in their annual reports. Thus, companies in
France must report on their use of water and natural resources, their emissions of greenhouse gases
and energy consumption, and what efforts they have undertaken to reduce environmental risks and to
educate their employees about environmental management.
•
France’s commitment to the use of nuclear power has allowed the country to keep a lid on its
carbon emissions, since nuclear power emits no carbon or other greenhouse gases. France’s
preference for nuclear-generated electricity over thermal (oil-, natural gas-, and coal-fired
power plants) power, has allowed it to maintain relatively low levels of both energy and carbon
intensity.
•
Despite its nuclear power programme, France still suffers from air pollution, especially in Paris
and other major cities. Despite the country’s reduction in its dependence on oil imports,
France has been the unfortunate victim of several major oil tanker spills, with disastrous
consequences for the country’s tourism and fishing industries along the Atlantic coast.
•
Other environmental issues in France include some forest damage from acid rain. Major forest
damage also occurred as a result of severe windstorms in December 1999. One of the
country’s biggest concerns is water pollution from urban waste and agricultural runoff.
Punctuality
In France it is vital to ensure that you make appointments for both business and social occasions. It is
not acceptable in France to ‘drop in’ on someone unannounced and such conduct will be taken as an
act of rudeness, whatever the occasion. While you should strive to be punctual, you will not be
considered to be late, should you arrive ten minutes after the scheduled time.
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Punctuality is treated quite casually in France, although there are some regional differences, the
further South you go the more casual the approach to time is. The French themselves have a very
relaxed attitude when attending appointments themselves, so do not be surprised to find your French
colleague arriving fairly late. The French consider this a prerogative, so do not expect any apologiesbut as ever it will depend who you are dealing with. However, staying late at the office is common,
especially for individuals in more senior positions.
For social events, being on time is more important, especially if your hosts have cooked a meal.
Gift
giving
Gift-giving among business associates is not common practice in France. To express appreciation to a
French business contact, it may be better to host a special event or dinner than to give a business gift.
Gifts are however expected at social events, especially to thank the host/ess of private dinner parties.
When Invited to Dinner
•
If you are invited to a French home, consider it a rare honour. Bring flowers, quality
chocolates or liqueur for the host, and present your gift before the entertaining proceeds.
•
Flowers should be sent in advance on the day of the dinner (popular in Paris) so that the
hostess has time to arrange them and is not faced with this task when she is busy with a meal,
or else unwrap them before presenting them to your hostess. Otherwise, present a gift on
arrival – this will probably not be unwrapped immediately (unless no other guests are present
or expected).
•
In accordance with the old European tradition, a bouquet should have an odd number of
flowers, but never seven or thirteen. On Labour Day (May 1) the French give lily-of-the-valley.
Red roses are not reserved for lovers in France, but do imply a familiarity that business
associates are unlikely to achieve. Carnations are associated with bad luck or bad will.
Chrysanthemums are used for funerals, and are placed on graves on All Saints Day
(November 1).
•
Do not take a gift of wine, since the host usually prefers to make the evening’s selection
themselves – this will have been carefully thought out to complement the food. The only
possible exceptions to this would be a special French dessert wine or high-quality liqueur.
Other exceptions if you really want to bring a bottle of wine would be one from your own
country or a bottle of Champagne.
•
If you have been a guest at a dinner party or similar social gathering in a home, ensure that
you send a thank-you note to your hosts the next day. Preferably, your note should be
handwritten and delivered by La Poste. Sending flowers or a basket of fruit is another
thoughtful gesture appreciated by the French.
Take Note
•
Be aware that displays of warmth and generosity between business associates are not the norm
in French business culture. Giving presents is acceptable here, but exercise discretion. Business
gifts are usually not exchanged at the first meeting.
•
Give a good quality gift or none at all
•
Gifts are expected for social events, especially as a thank-you after a dinner party.
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•
Give candy, macaroons, cakes and flowers. A gift should be of high quality and beautifully
wrapped.
•
Esoteric books and music are often valued as gifts. Make sure, however, that you are
reasonably acquainted with the recipient’s interests and tastes before making this kind of gift
purchase.
•
Good gift selections can also include coffee table books about your home country, or anything
that reflects the interests of your hosts and is representative of your country.
•
Do not offer gifts with your company logo stamped on them (the French consider this vulgar).
•
French business etiquette dictates that you do not include your business card with a gift.
•
Never send a gift for a French colleague to his/her home unless it is related to a social event.
•
Card giving at holidays is appropriate and appreciated. Thanking business partners for the
previous year’s business and wishing them a prosperous year to come is a sentiment that will
be received with gratitude. The practice in France is to send New Year’s greetings and this can
occur during the whole month of January but not later.
Business
Dress
Code
As you would expect, the nation that created ‘haute couture’ puts a premium on style. Fashion and
appearance are much more important in France than in most other countries in the world. Even lowpaid, entry-level executives buy the best clothes they can afford. Generally, dress tends to be on the
formal side for both men and women, whether in business or social situations. As the French will
perceive the way you dress as being a reflection of your social status and relative success, do your best
to make clothing choices that are tasteful and stylish.
High quality and conservative suits and accessories are recommended. Men should wear dark suits,
particularly during the winter and when visiting the north. You’ll notice that men’s suits made in
France are cut differently. In France, executives usually do not loosen their ties or take off their jackets
while at the office, or in restaurants. Never be the first to shed your jacket. As blue shirts are worn by
raw French military recruits, you may be labelled ‘Un bleu’, the French version of a ‘greenhorn’ if you
choose blue for your shirt.
Frenchwomen are particularly fashion conscious in both their social and business wear, and are
famous for their restrained, feminine chic. Visitors are advised to dress simply and with elegance. A
well-tailored business suit or dress is appropriate and good shoes are a must. Careful accessorising r
(even of simple outfits), is also widely seen in France. French women are also more careful with
makeup than many of their European counterparts and place a huge emphasis on skin care and
maintaining a slender figure.
When you receive an invitation stating “informal” dress, don’t assume you’ll be welcome in a t-shirt
and jeans. For a social gathering, informal usually means tastefully coordinated clothes, sometimes
including a jacket and tie for men. An invitation stating “formal” dress usually means formal evening
wear, which is very dressy and involves a tuxedo for men and evening dress for women. On the street,
jeans and sneakers can be acceptable leisurewear, although this kind of clothing is often reserved for
the gym or the beach. However, increasingly and dependent on the industry, casual Fridays are
becoming common in offices where you can wear jeans and even sneakers sometimes. These
exceptions to formal attire however are not applicable for business meetings.
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Bribery
and
corruption
France is ranked in the top 25 countries (on the Corruption Perception Index of government
organisations) in the world for being perceived as least corrupt compared to 176 other countries.
There are laws, regulations and penalties to reduce and prevent corruption in France. As a
consequence, the French legal system has witnessed numerous investigations and successful convictions
of corrupt public officials and businessmen.
The OECD Anti-Bribery Convention has been adopted in France and enforced since the year 2000.
This was done through amendments to the Criminal code, which includes article 435-3 which
incriminates the offer or promise of a bribe.
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Business
Meeting
Etiquette
Meetings come in a variety of forms, and are more important than ever in business today. There are
the everyday office meetings, board meetings, and seminars. Meetings can now be face-to-face, by
teleconference, video-conference, or online via the Internet. Meetings are a common form of corporate
life in France.
As you will be travelling to and from a foreign country, it is essential that you recognise the value of
planning for a meeting, according to the principles of proper etiquette. Deciding on the contents of the
meeting and the appropriate negotiation strategies should be based on the cultural habits and customs
of the country. The appropriate steps should be taken in preparing an agenda and it is advisable to
circulate agendas in advance to ensure everyone’s preparedness. Always double check that the facilities
you require for the business meeting are available and ready to use. Presentations should be wellprepared, comprehensive, clear, well-written, informative and presented in a formal, rational,
professional manner – always appealing to the intellect of the French.
The following sections deal with the various stages of a business meeting and examine the issues of
cultural sensitivity in this area.
Importance
of
Business
Meeting
As with any other international business behaviour, respect for the national business culture will
improve your chances of achieving your business objectives in France. This starts with the way you
conduct your business meetings – appointments should be arranged a couple of weeks in advance and
confirmed before their scheduled day as a gesture of good business etiquette.
Once you arrive in your French counterpart’s office it is good practice to give your business card to
their secretary so that they can log your arrival. Your business cards should ideally be printed in both
English and French. Attention to detail is generally much appreciated in France and having a dual
language business card is a great opportunity for you to show your attention to detail too. Once you
have exchanged business cards with your counterpart, you should examine their card carefully, before
you put it away. If you are considering printing your business cards in French, make sure that you state
a) your position within your organisation in French and b) your university degree, for example if it is at
masters or doctoral level.
Usually, the initial minutes of a French business meeting are used to reaffirm the main purpose of the
meeting and to deal with any questions before the main meeting commences. Make sure that you state
your business intentions directly and clearly since meetings follow a rigid format with a detailed
agenda. During your first business meeting, try to remain respectful and welcoming, bearing in mind
that your French counterparts need time to build trust in you and your organisation. The French do
have a habit of direct and probing questions, so don’t be offended and offer your plans for a carefully
considered proposal – remember they like attention to detail. Be prepared to expand on the details of
your proposal. It might seem as if the business discussion becomes an intellectual exercise, this is
because the French like a full understanding of the logic behind it. Since they prefer to concentrate on
the long-term objectives, make sure you have considered these in your proposal.
The French will judge you on your ability to demonstrate your intellectual faculties and this would
usually mean discussing polar views and placing you in the middle of a rigorous debate. If you are able
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to reason and make yourself clear you will earn respect from your business partners. If you have
differences don’t let it worry you, since as long as you can justify your views this will help your
counterparts to see that you are well briefed and prepared as well as serious about your intentions.
Although the French are happy to be convinced of new ideas as a consequence of debate, they are not
likely to accept anything that deviates from their cultural norms.
As mentioned in other sections of this guide, it is strongly recommended that you learn basic French
phrases and use them whenever possible in your meetings. Your French language efforts will be much
appreciated and remembered however, if you can’t speak French it is advisable to confirm if your
counterparts are fluent in your language or in English to facilitate your communications and if
necessary consider using an interpreter.
Business
Meeting
planning
When scheduling your meetings, remember that with five weeks of vacation to which they are entitled
by law, many French employees take several weeks off in the summer. Some companies even close
operations for the entire month of August. With the mandatory reduction of the working week to 35
hours, executives receive additional vacation time in lieu of shorter working weeks (14 to 16 extra days
every year). This results in a lot of offices being practically deserted during Christmas and Easter
school closings. You will need to take this into account when planning your business trips to France.
The best time to schedule meetings is considered to be in the late morning or mid-afternoon – usually
11:00 am or 3:30 pm. Ensure that you make appointments for both business and social occasions, with
at least 2 weeks notice. French business people like to have their social itineraries planned as well as
their business ones.
Appointments may be made in writing or by telephone and, depending upon the position of the person
you are meeting, are often handled by a secretary. While you should strive to be punctual, you won’t
be considered late if you arrive ten minutes after the scheduled time. Be careful and don’t take
unnecessary risks! If you expect to be delayed further, telephone immediately and offer an explanation.
It is important to note that in France, meetings are held to discuss issues, not to make decisions. The
French view formal surroundings as appropriate for meetings and don’t hold meetings in bars or cafes.
Lunch/Dinner meetings however are growing in France, particularly during the initial phase of the
business relationship.
When the meeting includes female business personnel, they will be treated with special respect by men,
both in business and social situations, and this is meant to be perceived as an honour.
Negotiation
process
When conducting business negotiations with your French counterparts you need to be aware that you
are very likely to come across bureaucratic and centralised decision-making. This is not to say that
radical change does not happen but it takes time since traditions are always given precedence.
This importance of tradition is evident in French business protocol, which adheres to persistent
formality in the negotiation stages. You cannot change the serious approach that your French
counterparts will take and you are advised not to attempt to . In your negotiations, you have to focus
on the subject matter of the deal you are discussing and at no point should you bring in other matters
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such as family as this will, if anything, reduce your chances of getting what you want and also possibly
offend your negotiation partners.
During business negotiations, be prepared to answer direct and detailed questions. Your persistence
and tenacity are likely to be rewarded since the longer the negotiations continue the higher are your
chances of success, since agreements usually take a long time to reach. Because your negotiation
partners will want to be comfortable that all risks have been identified and managed or mitigated, it
might appear to you that they are making things more complicated than necessary.
A common sign that you have reached a point where your counterparts will not change their position
is when they begin repeating their viewpoints. The main way to persuade your counterparts to change
that viewpoint is through the use of logical reasoning. Any hard sell techniques or hard bargaining are
likely to cause offence and reduce your chances of getting a deal altogether.
Because of the hierarchical structure of organisations in France, once a decision has been reached
between those in the negotiation process, there is a high likelihood that your partners will have to go
through a similar internal process and therefore even if you have signed a contract, there is a chance
that they will come back to re-negotiate it as a result of internal negotiations. This is another reason
why you should always try and seek out the top decision maker in the organisation to speed up your
negotiations and reduce discussions with intermediaries. However, if you are facing intermediaries
treat them with same respect, even though you might be aware that they are not able to finalise the
decision on their own. They can help you to reach a positive outcome, but if you offend them this will
also be reported and your chances of successful negotiations will be reduced.
When negotiating be upfront about your deadlines and make sure that your counterparts are
reminded of them if they are critical for you, otherwise these will generally be regarded as flexible
dates.
Meeting
protocol
The shaking of hands when greeting and departing is a French custom in business etiquette. The
initiation of the handshake should be left to the highest-ranking individual unless you are dealing with
a woman, in which case the initiative is left up to her. Your handshake should be measured and not so
overly firm that it is considered bad mannered. When a superior or a visitor enters a room, you should
stand up or make a token move as if you are about to stand, which will be sufficient.
The use of first names can be interpreted as annoying and disrespectful to the French. Only use first
name terms when you have been invited to do so and don’t expect that this will actually happen at all.
When you are addressing people for the first time, make sure that you use their family name, preceded
by a French honorific such as Monsieur for Gentleman or Madame for Ladies. It is considered polite
to say, “Bonjour” when entering a place of business. Similarly, when exiting, politeness requires an,
“Au revoir.” This practice is also followed when entering and exiting elevators.
La bise (or the kiss), is a common greeting once there is an established business relationship between
women and men. Usually, it is a kiss, or more correctly an “air kiss” on two cheeks, first on the left side
(for the other party), and then the right. When family and close friends greet one another, they often
kiss on both cheeks.
When working with French counterparts at all times prioritise formality and good manners. These
qualities are given high priority in particular in business relationships.
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How
to
Run
a
Business
Meeting
Business organisations in France are highly organised and well structured. Consequently, rules and
administrative practices are favoured over effectiveness or flexibility, and the administration of a
meeting should be taken very seriously.
One of the most important factors is careful planning and preparation, ensuring that all objectives and
strategies have been set out and an agenda has been confirmed. In France, meeting agendas tend to be
structured and fairly inflexible. It is anticipated that all attendees contribute to the discussion so it is
important for you to be alert and prepared to share your views.
Written communication of a meeting should be made both in English and in formal French that is
grammatically correct. An elegant style will be appreciated. The way a letter is written can impact on
how a person is received, so it is vital to pay close attention to detail since a high importance will be
placed on the accuracy of the letter.
Ensure that all required attendees are aware of the meeting time and destination and that they have
confirmed their attendance. If you are responsible for the meeting, ensure that the location is
convenient for all parties, and that the meeting room facilities are of the highest standard.
As meetings will generally be conducted in French, interpreters are an important element where there
are language barriers, and should be organised a number of weeks in advance prior to the meeting. All
presentation material should if possible be bilingual unless you have agreed a common language such
as English. If possible also prepare material in French or with some French references, as your French
counterparts will be impressed with your attention to detail.
Follow
up
letter
after
meeting
with
client
Once a meeting has concluded with your French counterparts, then normal meeting procedures
should apply. Prepare and distribute minutes within 24 hours. Quick action on this reinforces the
importance of the meeting with the French and also reduces errors in memory. Follow up on any
delegated decisions and see that all members understand and carry out their responsibilities. Place
unfinished business on the agenda for the next meeting. A number of days after the meeting, your
French colleagues will appreciate a follow-up phone call. This personal touch and effort is important in
French business practice.
As French businesspeople are very formal, socialising after meetings will not occur until firm working
relationships have been established. While a degree of formality will continue to exist within the
business relationship, an effort to build an understanding of their language and culture will improve
relationships significantly.
Business
meals
Business meals are common practice and usually conducted in restaurants rather than cafes since the
latter tend to be too noisy. Because of their love of food, French business people do like to concentrate
on a discussion of the dishes during your meal. If you need to discuss business matters, wait until the
desert is served or unless invited by your counterpart to do so. The earlier courses are usually used to
discuss your food and wine preferences. Because of the long term approach in business relationship
building, meal times are used to develop a more personal relationship and discover shared interests in
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food and wine. Food is very important in France and is taken very seriously, thus long meals are
customary, and offer great opportunities to conduct a more open and less formal business discussion.
Be aware when ordering your meal that portion sizes tend to be smaller than in other European
countries, so you would need to have several courses – a starter, main and a desert are common
practice. The French are very particular about their food and high quality is more important that
quantity. Eating etiquette and table manners are also highly important – “bon appétit” is a good phrase
to use before starting to eat since this will illustrate your respect for the French culture. If you dining in
a party, it is considered impolite to leave until the last person has finished their final course.
Generally, lunchtime is from 12:30 or 13:00 and can last until 15:00. Dinners are usually from 20:30
to 23:00. Some restaurants close between lunch and dinner service so you have to phone in advance
and confirm their opening times and reserve a table. Most restaurants will have reservations and a
waiting list, so it is important to reserve a table; if you are looking for last minute bookings, consider a
brasserie or a hotel where reservations are not as important. The person who extends the invitation for
a meal is also expected to pay for all.
Business lunches are not considered appropriate for spouses, but they are welcome to attend business
dinners. Status in an organisation is also important when it comes to socialising and senior managers
will only go out for a meal with their equivalents. The seating arrangements are also important with
the most senior person being seated at the head of the table and the second most senior person to their
left and third most senior to their right. Guests of honour are seated either to the right of the host if
they are female or to the left of the hostess if they are male.
Business
Meeting
tips
When meeting and discussing business with your French counterparts try to lower your voice and
generally behave in a more formal way. Traditions, formality and attention to detail are highly valued
and if in doubt take clues from your counterparts on how to behave.
Business meetings and interactions should stay focused on business and any discussions which are off
topic that could infringe on personal privacy can be offensive Common topics which you should
therefore avoid unless invited to discuss these by your counterparts are: salary, age, their children and
family. On the other hand, topics that show your appreciation of French culture, are welcome
including: language, food, wine, politics and French history.
Compliments are welcomed, however, unlike in other European countries such as the UK where they
are acknowledged with a “thank you”, the French tend to deny them to show their humility.
Humour can easily be misinterpreted depending on the situation and the French tend to be amused by
intellectual jokes, irony and situations from real life.
The main emergency telephone numbers are:
•
Police: 17
•
Fire: 18
•
Ambulance: 15
•
SOS Help (English-language crisis line) Tel.: 01 46 21 46 46
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Internship
and
placement
Work
experience
Student placements or “stage” is considered essential in France and many students have to take one or
two different types of work placements during their study years. The duration of these internships
varies, but commonly these are 2 to 6 months. It is not uncommon to do an internship during
university studies in the third or fourth years but increasingly graduates are taking on work experience
jobs once they have finished studying. The internship can be seen as a prolonged “job interview”
where the prospects of getting hired after this period are high.
French is the language that you have to speak – unless you are applying to teach your language in a
school where this might not be as critical. However, basic written and spoken French language skills
are still necessary. Despite this many companies are open to international placements but expect you
to improve your language skills – which might be a good reason to have a placement in France in the
first place.
To get a placement in the France you need to apply in the same way you would for a job, which
means you need to have a CV and an application letter. Increasingly, organisations in France accept
applications electronically via their website forms or by e-mail.
Your placement application should be handed in well in advance – ideally 5 to 3 months. In
particular, if you are coming from a foreign country there might be restrictions on you taking a paid
work placement in France. Several students therefore take volunteering opportunities to benefit from
work experience.
Internship
and
Placement
advice
There are many practical issues relating to international placements that need to be taken care of
either by the trainee or the host company. It is important to allow enough time for all the
arrangements and the necessary formalities. In most cases your training organisation, educational
institute (for example Universities etc) and host organisations will be able to help with some of these
formalities.
Social
security
and
European
health
insurance
Health insurance is a legal requirement for any resident in France. If you are planning to work in
France it is important that you investigate your status and ability to get your health insured. The
French health system is consistently rated as one of the most advanced in the western world in terms of
value for money and quality of service. Several options exist such as Couverture Maladie Universelle, where
your insurance contributions are deducted from your monthly salary.
Safety
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France is generally a safe place with a low crime rate as is the case with neighbouring European
countries. International acts of terrorism do occur although not often due to the extensive counter
measures and extensive visible as well as covert police presence.
However, as is the case in other countries street crime occurs, including pickpocketing and theft from
unattended vehicles especially in larger cities such as Paris. With the increasing reliance on online
transactions, cyber crimes are on the rise and are counteracted with specialist security measures
implemented by the Government. General precautions and remaining vigilant are always advised. The
overall recorded crimes are high which suggests a strong police force where individuals trust and rely
on them to help.
Emergency number: 112
Do
I
need
a
visa?
Depending on the country you are coming from, you might need to get a Visa before you can work in
France. Immigration is a major political issue here, as in other economically established European
nations, and this means that there are frequent adjustments to Visa requirements. The working visa is
most difficult to obtain for those coming from outside of the European Union, so be prepared to face
French Red Tape and a long, patience-testing process.
Internship
and
placement
salary
As in other countries, internships – stage – in France can be paid or unpaid. This will vary based on
your location and the actual job you are performing. It is not uncommon to have nominal payments
which will be just enough to pay your rent but in other cases you may receive almost a full salary.
Stage is highly regulated and legislation on the need for remuneration and the duration of an official
stage are regularly updated.
This is critical if you are thinking of taking a placement in Paris, which is the one of most expensive
cities in France – consider the costs of food, transport and housing.
Internship
and
placement
accommodation
Relocating for your placement in France also means finding your own accommodation, although there
are exceptions. In certain industries as is the case in other countries, for example in hospitality and
tourism (and France has one of the largest tourism industries in the world) accommodation and
sometimes food are provided to all staff on the premises, which can reduce your outgoings
considerably. However, if you have to find your own accommodation, furnished apartments and
student accommodation rooms are available. Rent is normally paid on a monthly basis and a deposit
(approximately three months rent in advance) will have to be paid prior to you taking possession of the
accommodation. Given that most placements are short term you might find furnished apartments
most appropriate. Most places have a minimum rental period for example around three months.
Again, as with other capital European cities, beware of Paris and its high prices, which need to be
weighed against lower prices in the suburbs but with long and expensive commutes.
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Cost
of
Living
Usually, students should be able to cover their living costs independently. Cost comparisons can easily
be made with other EU countries because of the common currency. Relative to the Scandinavian
countries, the cost of living in France is low. However, as with everywhere, the cost of living depends
on what you do and where you live in France. The largest expense is usually the rent, which can vary
from as little as €300 per month in some places such as Limousine to almost six times that in some
places in Paris & Ile de France.
Money
and
Banking
Payments in France are made, using smaller denominations of bank notes (cash) or debit and credit
cards. Whilst larger cities will be able to accommodate credit card payments, if you are planning to
visit smaller villages you are advised to have cash with you since some places might have a cash only
payment option. Almost all daily money transfers are possible and are usually done through online
banking, for example payments of your salary, accommodation, telephone, and credit cards bills. The
Euro “€” (although you can still see the equivalent amount in Francs on some statements) is the
accepted currency when paying cash in France. Some stores in larger cities also accept other
international currencies, however, you might find that the exchange rate will be less favourable
compared to payment in Euros.
If you are planning to stay in France for longer periods (e.g. 4 months or more), you are advised to
open a local bank account. Travellers Cheques are not recommended since cashing them is becoming
more difficult.
The French Government is active in supporting innovation and business growth through a number of
grant initiatives, for example schemes such as start-up loans – “Prêt à la Création d’Entreprise (PCE)”.
More information about how to apply for funding can be accessed from the ADIE business support
organisation.
Major Banks in France include:
•
Banque Directe
•
Banque Populaire Group
•
BNP Paribas
•
Groupe BPCE
•
BRED
•
Crédit Agricole S.A. (CASA)
•
Crédit Mutuel – CIC Group
•
Societe Generale
Traveling
costs
Unless your employer has stipulated otherwise, travelling costs to and from an interview are
usually paid by the candidate themselves. It is always best to clarify the arrangements with the
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organisation you are planning to work for. If your travel costs can be reimbursed you would
have to produce original receipts. If you are a student and have to travel during your
placement year on the train or other public transport – most have special student rates so proof
of your student status is helpful in reducing travel costs.
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Work-­‐life
Balance
A key issue for many workers in France is flexible working time, in order to achieve a work-life
balance. Negotiating a work/life balance can enable parents to reconcile their work with their family
life and, women in particular, to participate in the labour market. It can also allow workers to take
leave to participate in education or training or to take up an interest, hobby or leisure pursuit. This
means that workers can reorganise their working lives and working hours around shorter days, weeks,
months, or even years.
A law to reduce the statutory working week in France from 39 hours to 35 hours was introduced in
2000, for companies with more than 20 employees and, in 2002, for companies with 20 employees or
fewer. Studies by the Office of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) suggest that France
is below the OECD average when it comes to hours worked and consequently French employees have
above average leisure time on an average day. Approximately 15 hours per day are dedicated to
personal care and leisure (eating, sleeping, etc).
With regard to a reduction in working time, one of the recommendations from France’s National
Economic Planning Agency, was that working time should be in line with other demands on time,
generated by people’s social and private lives. In this respect, the 35-hour working week appears to be
having an impact. An evaluation report submitted by the government shows that the reduction in
working time has generally affected employees positively, in terms of both their work and home lives.
National
holidays
There are 11(or 13 in some provinces) national holidays in France. Most offices, businesses and shops
in France will close for a Public Holiday however the smaller supermarkets in many towns will open
for a few hours in the morning.
There following are fixed (same every year) Public Holidays in France.
•
1st January – New Year Day
•
1st May – Labour days
•
8th May – Victory day
•
14th July – Bastille Day
•
15th August each year – Assumption Day
•
1st November each year – All Saints Day
•
11th November – Armistice Day
•
25th December – Christmas Day
•
26th December – Boxing Day (only in the Moselle, the Bas-Rhin and the Haut-Rhin)
The following are changeable Public Holidays in France: Good Friday (Easter Friday) and Easter
Monday are usually around March –April time, Ascension Day (40 days after Easter Sunday, always
on a Thursday – May time); Pentacost/Whit Sunday (7th Sunday after Easter – May time); Monday
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following Pentacost/Whit Monday – May time. During may, there is a holiday nearly every week
therefore you will need to check in advance.
Working
hours
Working hours are generally Monday to Friday from 8am or 9am to 12:00/12:30 and then from
14:00/14:30 to 18:00. However, as always, it depends where the organisation is located, for example
the long lunch break is unusual in Paris and other bigger cities. As mentioned previously in this guide,
because of employment legislation the working of overtime is very rare.
Retail shops tend to be open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 20:00. Several larger stores have longer
opening hours on Thursdays for example Galeries Lafayette in Paris tend to open from 9:30 to 21:00
on Thursdays but they close one hour earlier on other days. On Sundays shops are closed and in
smaller cities this might also apply to Saturdays.
Banks tend to follow a similar working pattern and are closed on Sundays. On Saturdays they tend to
have shorter opening hours starting later and closing earlier.
Working
culture
The working culture in France is guided by principles of hierarchy, traditions and attention to detail.
As such, logical reasoning and high levels of analysis are used to guide the culture, which can be seen
as slow and procedural.
Work Legislation
France as is the case in many other countries has seen its working culture evolve and despite the
respect for traditions, change does happen in accommodating the needs of an industrial economy. A
landmark piece of legislation was introduced in 1998 to reduce working hours to 35 per week. One of
the consequences of this has been higher employment rates and increased job sharing.
Working Hours
Despite the shorter weekly working times, the hours that people tend to spend at work are longer when
compared to other European countries. However, the time spent working during a day does tend to be
broken up with a generous lunch break that can last 2 hours. Many smaller businesses in particular in
rural areas tend to close for lunch and employees spend this time with their families.
Overtime is also less common in French working culture than in other countries. For example, taking
work home and doing it over the weekend is not common practice, but perhaps senior managers might
be more likely to do so than ordinary employees.
Health
insurance
France’s health and social security system covers all employees. Payments by employers discharge all
health, retirement and unemployment insurance obligations. In principle, the French health cover and
social security system applies to expatriates, but international agreements and EU regulations provide
for exemptions.
Take an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) with you when in France. This replaced the
E111 form in 2005. It is available from most post offices and will cover the cost of any emergency
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medical care at French state hospitals during your visit, through a reciprocal EU agreement. It’s best
to travel with an EHIC in conjunction with a comprehensive travel insurance plan, as the card does
not cover all medical fees, repatriation or treatment of a non-urgent, ongoing medical condition.
France has one of world’s top healthcare systems, and the emergency rooms are well equipped.
Pharmacies in Paris take turns staying open after hours – lists are posted in the pharmacy windows.
Access to prescription and over-the-counter drugs in France is excellent.
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Social
Media
Guide
Internet penetration in France is one of the highest in Europe with nearly 80% of people being
connected. There is also an increasing number of Űber- connected individuals who have access to the
internet at work, at home and on public transport. However, the issues of privacy and openness are
high political priorities and their interpretation has seen clashes between French politicians and Silicon
Valley CEOs. For example, banning the use of words such as “Facebook” and “Twitter” on TV and
Radio is one way the French Government has illustrated its active discouragement of Social Media
use.
In general, French SMEs are late adopters of social media, which reflects the general trend of low
adoption in the country. Despite this conservative approach to social media innovations, a wide range
of social media networks are used by some businesses. Paris is the second largest city in Europe based
on the number of Twitter users who set their location there. The younger generation of 18 to 24 year
olds seem to dominate the social media networks in France.
Legal aspects regarding the use of the Internet are very detailed and restrictive. The Employment Law
Review (2012) in France suggests that information found on social media sites could be used by
employers for checking an individual’s background and could also be used as evidence for dismissal.
Similar to other European countries, the patterns of use of social networks is different amongst French
SMEs and students where networks such as Twitter and LinkedIn are preferred by business audiences
and Facebook and Skyrock by students. Twitter is well represented in France by the over 55s and
played a major part in the 2012 French presidential elections.
Private
individuals/Students
The Passport to Trade 2.0 project survey, had difficulties collecting primary data using social media.
This in itself suggests that French people are less likely to share data online. Therefore, the main
recommendations are based on secondary sources and the observations of the Passport to Trade
advisors and the research team. Significant variations in the preferences of social media among the
different age groups are evident from the 2010 ComScore numbers. The two largest social media
platforms are Facebook and Twitter. Some of the other popular social media networks in France are:
•
Skyrock
•
Windows Live Profile
•
MySpace
•
Amsterdam-d Before Buddies
•
Badoo.com
•
Viadeo
•
Linkedin.com
•
Trombi.com
•
Instagram
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SMEs
In France, social media is increasingly being used by businesses. French SMEs seem to use a wide
range of social networks. Most popular among these are Viadeo and LinkedIn, followed closely by
Facebook. Viadeo is a Paris based Social Media Club, and although lagging behind LinkedIn, it has
been well financed and is targeting emerging markets for its growth. Most French websites also
increasingly integrate links to their social media profiles such as Facebook.
Viadeo and LinkedIn are particularly useful for French companies who are experienced in
collaborations abroad, and this indicates the international dimension of these networks. Most popular
social networks used in the France are:
•
Viadeo
•
Facebook
•
Twitter
•
LinkedIn
•
Pinterest
•
MySpace
•
Google+
Search
and
Social
Media
Marketing
for
International
Business
Learn how to use social media for business from one of Salford Business School’s latest
business management courses. The course was jointly researched by the Passport to Trade 2.0
project team and prepared in collaboration with some of the leading digital marketing
agencies in the UK.
This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) can help businesses and individuals to make the
best use of search and social media platforms. The course is called Search and Social Media
Marketing for International Business and is applicable to students looking for placements
abroad as well as businesses thinking about new trade links; it comprises the following
twelve topics:
How to develop a personal brand online (1/12)
•
•
Whether you are a student beginning a job search
or a business person planning a new business
venture, personal branding can make a difference.
Learn about personal branding and why it is
important for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=l9LYw0mgtn4&feature=player
_embedded
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How to use Twitter (2/12)
•
•
Learn the basics of using Twitter to develop an
individual or business profile.
Remember to use hash tag #SSMMUoS to share
your learning journey on this course so far!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=9CVY3pp91Dc&feature=playe
r_embedded
How to use Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) (3/12)
•
•
Learn the principles of SEO to ensure that your
website and any social media profiles are found by
individuals searching for your name, products and
services.
These basic principles of SEO include keyword
research, on-page optimisation and off-page
optimisation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=zw27cRcwtM0&feature=player
_embedded
How to use social media for international business development (4/12)
•
•
Social media networks break down the traditional
country barriers, but do you know which networks
are relevant for the country you are interested in
trading with?
Find out in this video how to identify the relevant
networks and what social media strategies you might
be able to use on these networks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Bx-B56AHS4c&feature=
player_embedded
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How to use Facebook (5/12)
•
•
Facebook is currently the largest social media
network in the world and it can benefit you as a
business as well as an individual.
Learn how to develop a Facebook business page and
see how other businesses use it and what strategies
work for them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=UmRGn-vdcO8&feature=
player_embedded
How to use YouTube (6/12)
•
•
YouTube was identified as the second largest
social network amongst younger internet users as
part of the Passport to Trade 2.0 project.
Learn how to optimise your video content in order
to reach wider audiences for your profile.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
feature=player_embedded&v=G2
0OVpmTBss
How to use LinkedIn (7/12)
•
•
LinkedIn is one of the three main professional
social networks – the others being Xing and
Viadeo which are also popular in several
European countries.
Learn how to make the most of LinkedIn for your
profile.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=N6e_EAUQqic&feature=playe
r_embedded
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How to use Google+ (8/12)
•
•
•
Google+ is the second largest social network as of
January 2013.
It is one of the fastest growing social networks and
one that has the biggest impact when it comes to
search engine results integration for anyone who
uses Google as their main search engine.
Learn how to make the most of Google+ for you
and your digital profiles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
feature=player_embedded&v=8ti
3SPHkEWw
How to use copywriting online (9/12)
•
•
Copywriting is a process of translating technical
specifications and product descriptions into
engaging and understandable customer focused
text.
Learn about the basic techniques in structuring
your online content here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=5f1hx_f2ONI&feature=player_
embedded
How to stay legal on social media (10/12)
•
•
Everything and anything you do and say online
can be potentially viewed by anyone who has
internet access.
Always respect the law and familiarise yourself
with new options offered to you through a creative
commons licence which is popular online.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=eQxDpiHsdk&feature=player_embedde
d
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How to use monitoring and reporting (11/12)
•
•
Whether you are an individual or a business
spending time on social media – there has to be a
return on your engagement online.
How do you justify your engagement on social
media to your boss? Listen to the industry experts
in this area and see what you might be able to
measure in respect of your on-line engagements.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=LbEq7jsG0jg&feature=player_
embedded
How to blog (12/12)
•
•
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=OqVjR7oI8Rs&feature=player
_embedded
businessculture.org
•
Blogging is a process of writing text and sharing
content with others. It can help your customers or
friends to keep in-touch regardless of social media
platforms.
Think about the voice you might want to adopt
and who your audience might be. Share your
thoughts with us by writing a blog post about this
MOOC.
Tweet us the link to your post on the
#SSMMUoS Twitter hash tag.
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Passport
to
Trade
2.0
Project
Partnership
Five Universities:
Lead partner: Salford Business School,
University of Salford, United Kingdom
Elena Vasilieva
Aleksej Heinze
Alex Fenton
URENIO research unit at Aristole University
of Thessaloniki, Greece
Christina Kakderi
Nitsa Papadopouloui
TSE Entre Research Centre
Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, Finland
Satu Aaltonen
Elisa Akola
Institute for Information System Research
University of Koblenz-Landau, Germany
Verena Hausmann
Susan P. Williams
Petra Schubert
Valahia University of Targoviste, Romania
Adriana Grigorescu
Leonardo Badea
Three Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Spin, Italy
Carmine Antonio Donato
Dorella De Tommaso
Technology Development & Innovation – TDI LTD
Bulgaria
Milanka Slavova
Ivan Stoychev
TIS Praha, Czech Republic
Anna Klosova
Richard Adekeye
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