ich culinary tradition that is well known worldwide. Indeed, UNESCO added French gastronomy to its list of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. The cuisine of France is varied, but the country is particularly well known for cheese and wine production. France is the third largest producer of cheese in the world (after the USA and Germany) and consumes more cheese per capita than any other country. France also produces more wine than any other country, and is home to well-known grape varieties such as chardonnay and pinot noir.
Arriving on time for dinner is very important in France. It is expected that you should call and explain that you are delayed if you are due to arrive over 10 minutes late for an appointment. You should start eating when invited to, i.e. “bon appetit”. Cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife if you have not finished eating and do not rest your elbows on the table. Your arms should be visible and not resting in your lap. Flowers and wine are often given as gifts. Flowers should be given in odd-numbered bunches, but not in a bunch of thirteen which is considered to be bad luck. Wine should always be of the highest quality. Gifts tend to be opened on receipt rather than being set aside to be opened later.
France is renowned as a leading hub of fashion. Indeed, Paris is home to many renowned fashion designers including Chanel, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, amongst many others. The Paris Fashion Week is held biannually and is renowned as one of the “Big 4” fashion weeks, along with London, Milan and New York. French business attire is stylish and understated: men should wear dark-coloured, formal suits. Women can also wear business suits or formal dresses in soft colours. First impressions are largely influenced by appearance. Accessories should be of high quality.
Freedom of religion is a very important concept in France: it is guaranteed through the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. The French Republic is based on the principle of laïcité, or freedom of conscience. Christianity is the largest religion in France, however the next largest group in French society is those who profess to have no religion. Various studies claim that Islam accounts for between 5% – 10% of the French population, with Judaism being the next largest religion thereafter.
There are high levels of formality involved with doing business in France. When meeting someone for the first time, or speaking to superiors, “Monsieur” or “Madame” should be used. Handshakes tend to be brisk and light, with only a couple of up and down movements. Appointments should be made at least two weeks in advance, in writing, by telephone, or by email. A secretary will often handle appointment making for senior individuals. You should telephone immediately if you expect to be delayed to a meeting. Attention to detail is vital. Business cards are exchanged after initial greetings, and whilst it is not a necessity to translate a business card into French, doing so is seen as being attentive. Include advanced academic qualifications on business cards: a high level of importance is placed on such qualifications.
In France, it is important to keep professional life and private life separate. There may be small talk at the beginning of meetings, however this should remain professional, avoiding questions about the personal lives of others. The process of negotiation and sales in France is often conducted slowly. Business is conducted on a hierarchical basis and decisions tend to be made by more senior officials in companies. You should expect there to be a lot of questions asked about any proposals, as decision making is often meticulous, rather than being off the back of high pressure sales tactics. Accordingly such tactics should be avoided. Meetings are very important when leading to final decisions being made; however, it is very rare that decisions will be made at meetings. Once a decision has eventually been made, a comprehensive contract will likely be drawn up.
Managing Employees in France
Hierar