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CCBS Midterm Exam France, India & Singapore Summary
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This is a 7 page summary of the countries France, India and Singapore for the Mid-term exam of the minor Cross Cultural Business Skills
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Summary CCBS Mid-Term ExamFrance
Intro:
- French managers don’t just work for achievement but should use their visionary powers to benefit
their group. However, a key characteristic of French businessmen is their extreme status-
consciousness (protects autonomy). Age and education also play a significant role in determining
status. To be a high-profile executive, you must be trained at one of the prestigious grandes ecoles.
The value of such diploma will last a lot longer than for example in America.
- Educational credentials are identified in organizational hierarchies expressed in salary and position.
At the top is the autocrat or patriarch (le patron), who is the president-directeur-general (PDG,
chairman and CEO into one). Separation of functions is still rare in France.
- Political structure serves as business model as well; vertical administration, clear-cut divisions,
ordered hierarchies and central planning.
Personalities:
Before a meeting, invest time in studying the structure, interests, history and who is in charge of the
company. Relationships are very particular in French society, so know your counterpart and be
flexible with rules, as plans can change to adapt to different circumstances.
Secrecy and privacy:
- Agreements in France are entre nous (between us), as agreements are usually reached in private. It
is more advantageous if other people don’t know about it.
- Also, in private meetings French managers might suggest a private deal, a personal understanding
that is not put on the record. It is understood as cultural custom and not untrustworthiness
Intellectual capacity
For most French manager the intellectual capacity is considered more important than work, results
or money as being intellectual is considered a profession.
You’re on your own
French might feel that their organization is pitted against yours and have to fight out these
differences with a French delegation that mostly consists of 3 or more people. Try to stay calm and
come prepared to a meeting to show your good will.
Everybody Agrees
French prefer to come to a consensus instead of voting to reach a decision as the French definition
says that a group of people from the same organization has the same needs and interests. The end
decision however is still imposed by the patron.
Shall we have lunch?
A French business lunch can take more than 2 hours; business issues are usually discussed at the
main course or at the end of the meal after an informal conversation or at a small lunch. Frenchies
can’t digest a new business proposal until dessert, or as the French say ‘entre la poire et le fromage’
(between the pear and the cheese). Arrange the lunch in the executive dining room, that shows that
it is a special honor.
Let’s Beat Around the Bush
Frenchies beat around the bush, so listen well to opening statements French colleague’s discussion
to decode the implicit meaning, a.k.a. being ambiguous. Someone who can present their opinion in
, an interesting, challenging and entertaining way is much appreciated, as French look for the most
elegant and brilliant solution and not the most efficient one.
Getting the Look
If Frenchies find you attractive, they will ‘look you over’ without trying to pick you up but to show
approval and admiration.
Etiquette
- Greet with “Bonjour Monsieur/Madame surname” as that is the proper way. Furthermore, make
minimal rapport before making demands as you are considered ‘mal eleve’ (badly raised).
- Higher status person usually extends hand first and don’t shake hands twice with someone as it is a
sign that you don’t remember doing it earlier.
- Shaking hands when meeting and parting is mandatory. It is also appreciated to say some nice
words next to it. Otherwise you are considered impolite.
Overlapping Communication
Frenchies seem unable or unwilling to wait for the end of your sentence. This shows their emotional
intensity as they enjoy the excitement of a verbal conflict, and by interrupting they want to
contribute to it.
Passionate Commitment
People are asked to do what they are most animated about so they can do what they want to do. The
logic behind it is that people do well if they care passionately about something.
They Shoot You Down in Flames
Decisions and solutions aren’t made in meetings. It is a competition for offering the best ideas which
are countered by arguments to break it. Even though your idea is good, you still get flamed by others
to counter it. Also, deadlines can be sabotaged as a result of endless objections.
From hate to love is just one step
‘De la haine a l’amour il n’y a qu’un pas’, good friends can get very angry with each other but can
show great affection the next moment as nothing happened. Emotional expression is appreciated
and someone that seems happy all the time isn’t trusted.
Do you speak French?
Even though modern-day Frenchies can speak English, they prefer not to. Eloquence is highly valued
by them, which they can’t express that well when speaking English as the power of persuasion and
the expressions drop.
Senior person knows everything:
The French superior is expected to have conceptual mastery over subordinates to a greater extent
than most other countries.
Reason Transcends
Faulty reasoning is a no go in France and rival deductions should be avoided at all costs.
Perfect Solutions
Senior managers often aim for the perfect solution, with a perfect theory that results in a perfect
application. Americans don’t often care how it works if it works, whilst Frenchies want to know
everything behind it and don’t like short cuts.
French view on time
Time might be used as a tactical weapon for negotiation; the people who have to wait are put in their
place. However, once Frenchies dedicate time to you, they really dedicate it.
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