Cross Cultural Communication FRANCE Cross Cultural Communication B6G2: David Maiers, Lucas Nistor, Ashley Payne, Mindy Tangney, Ian White

Agenda I. Time and Formality II. Business Meetings III. Consumption IV. Fashion and Appearance V. Non-Verbal Communication

Punctuality Punctuality is taken very casually in France, where running late is almost expected Survey of CEOs from nine countries found that only French executives were late to more meetings than U.S. executives, 65% vs. 60% UK trains habitually run late with commuters often experiencing delays One of the worst performers was a French company, Connex Not considered disrespectful, particularly the more south you go Japanese: http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2002-11-25-lateceo_x.htm Punctuality at work is a question of life or death. But in the daily life that is not always true. I think it depends on the person. Most of the time women are late because they care about their appearance and like talking a lot. A lot of men complain about that "issue". I am a woman, and I hate being late. I am always in a hurry, and stressed because of the time. When I am late I feel really bad, because I do not like waiting for people, and I find impolite coming late. Connex: Where 5% fewer of its trains on its South Central and South Eastern routes ran on time compared to last year: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/831642.stm

Common Etiquette Meeting Etiquette First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone's first name. You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving. Gift Giving Etiquette When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of conservatism. Gifts are usually opened when received. Dining Etiquette Arrive on time. Under no circumstances should you arrive more than 10 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have been detained. The further south you go in the country, the more flexible time is. If invited to a large dinner party, especially in Paris, send flowers the morning of the occasion so that they may be displayed that evening. Table manners: Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'bon appetit'. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible and not in your lap. Finish everything on your plate. Do not cut salad with a knife and fork. Fold the lettuce on to your fork. Peel and slice fruit before eating it. Leave your wineglass nearly full if you do not want more.

Business Meetings Meetings follow an established format with a detailed agenda The purpose of meetings is to discuss and debate issues Get down to business quickly, but make decisions slowly after much deliberation

Business Etiquette Entering a room and seating is done by rank Business dress is very formal and conservative Business relationships are proper and professional

Consumption Meeting Etiquette Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek. First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone's first name. You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving. Gift Giving Etiquette When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of conservatism. Gifts are usually opened when received. Dining Etiquette Arrive on time. Under no circumstances should you arrive more than 10 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have been detained. The further south you go in the country, the more flexible time is. If invited to a large dinner party, especially in Paris, send flowers the morning of the occasion so that they may be displayed that evening. Table manners: Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'bon appetit'. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible and not in your lap. Finish everything on your plate. Do not cut salad with a knife and fork. Fold the lettuce on to your fork. Peel and slice fruit before eating it. Leave your wineglass nearly full if you do not want more.

Cuisine Meeting Etiquette Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek. First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone's first name. You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving. Gift Giving Etiquette When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of conservatism. Gifts are usually opened when received. Dining Etiquette Arrive on time. Under no circumstances should you arrive more than 10 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have been detained. The further south you go in the country, the more flexible time is. If invited to a large dinner party, especially in Paris, send flowers the morning of the occasion so that they may be displayed that evening. Table manners: Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'bon appetit'. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible and not in your lap. Finish everything on your plate. Do not cut salad with a knife and fork. Fold the lettuce on to your fork. Peel and slice fruit before eating it. Leave your wineglass nearly full if you do not want more.

Meal Structure 1. Starter course (entrée) 2. Main course (plat principal) 3. Salad course Meeting Etiquette Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek. First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone's first name. You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving. Gift Giving Etiquette When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of conservatism. Gifts are usually opened when received. Dining Etiquette Arrive on time. Under no circumstances should you arrive more than 10 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have been detained. The further south you go in the country, the more flexible time is. If invited to a large dinner party, especially in Paris, send flowers the morning of the occasion so that they may be displayed that evening. Table manners: Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'bon appetit'. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible and not in your lap. Finish everything on your plate. Do not cut salad with a knife and fork. Fold the lettuce on to your fork. Peel and slice fruit before eating it. Leave your wineglass nearly full if you do not want more. 4. Dessert/ cheese course

Drink

Smoking Meeting Etiquette Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek. First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone's first name. You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving. Gift Giving Etiquette When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of conservatism. Gifts are usually opened when received. Dining Etiquette Arrive on time. Under no circumstances should you arrive more than 10 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have been detained. The further south you go in the country, the more flexible time is. If invited to a large dinner party, especially in Paris, send flowers the morning of the occasion so that they may be displayed that evening. Table manners: Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'bon appetit'. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible and not in your lap. Finish everything on your plate. Do not cut salad with a knife and fork. Fold the lettuce on to your fork. Peel and slice fruit before eating it. Leave your wineglass nearly full if you do not want more.

French Fashion

French Business Dress Conservative Understated and stylish High quality Dark colors

Shaking Hands Very common in France: At business meetings When you are introduced to someone When you meet a person for the first time The handshaking is rather brief Avoid strong or long handshakes

Eye Contact Establish brief eye contact with your business partners With close friends eye contact can be longer You should make eye contact when clinking glasses during a toast Not making any eye contact is a sign of disrespect

The Famous Double Kiss Common standard among family members and close friends Double kiss can even be common practice among men who are close friends You make 2 light kisses on each cheek If French people approach you with a double kiss – don‘t be shy

Questions?