How to do Business in France - French Business Mentality

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Business in France

Series of Articles that aim at providing insights on the way to do Business in France. Readers who are interested in learning French for Business purposes (i.e. getting prepared for a job interview in French) may visit our list of Business French Tutors.

Our 10 Best Tips to Learn Business French (and Boost Your Career)!

Updated September 30, 2020

Looking for opportunities to further your career? Candidates and employees with hands-on business French knowledge have a competitive edge in the ...

Bribery and Corruption in France

Updated February 19, 2018

France is among the top 25 countries when it comes to Corruption Perception Index of Government organizations in the world, recognized as least ...

What is the appropriate Business Dress Code in France?

Updated

In France importance is given to fashion & appearance compared to other countries of the world. Even people with low income buy the best clothes they ...

The Rules of Gift Giving in France

Updated

Gift-giving among business associates is not a common practice in France. To express appreciation to a French business contact it's better to host a ...

What about the Punctuality in France?

Updated

In France, it's important to ensure that you make appointments for business and social events.

Corporate Social Responsibilities in France

Updated

France got the positive approach towards the environment and their programs are appreciated worldwide and I'm sure you must have heard about Paris ...

How to do Business in France: Business meeting tips

Updated

Over meetings & business discussion with your French counterparts using a lower voice tone is appreciated and followed. Customs, etiquette and ...

How to Deal with Business Meals in France

Updated

Business meals are common practice and normally carried in restaurants preferably than cafes. Since they love food, French business people do like to ...

How to Run a Business Meeting in France

Updated

Business organizations in France are highly established and well structured. Consequently, rules and organizational practices are preferred over ...

The Meeting protocol in France

Updated

Handshakes are business customs while greeting and leaving. The introduction of the handshake should be left to the top-ranking person except if you ...

The Negotiation Process in France

Updated

When conducting business negotiations with your French counterparts you need to be aware that you are very likely to come across bureaucratic and ...

How to Plan a Business Meeting in France

Updated

When scheduling your meetings, remember that with five weeks of vacation to which they are entitled by law, many French employees take several weeks ...

Meeting Etiquette in France: The rules

Updated

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 ...

Dealing With French Business Taboos

Updated

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 ...

How is the Transport Infrastructure in France?

Updated

There are significant differences in lifestyles with respect to transportation, between urbanised regions such as Paris, and smaller towns and rural ...

Cultural Facts of France

Updated

The French are very proud of their independence and culture. For successful business liaisons, it is important to be aware of their cultural ...

Educational Standards in France

Updated

Since World War II, the education system has been dramatically overhauled. This was designed to accommodate the increasing numbers of children who ...

Xenophobia: Being a Foreigner in France

Updated

France is a diverse country, this is due to its large geographic area and regional differences as well as being a consequence of immigration ...

A Guide to Business Culture in France

Updated

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 ...

Working Hours and Holidays in France

Updated February 17, 2018

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 ...

What is the Business Meetings Etiquette of the French?

Updated

Nowadays business meetings are considered more valuable & important for all sort of businesses. From board meetings, daily office meetings & seminars ...

Using the right Personal titles when doing Business with French

Updated January 21, 2018

The French are a formal nation and tend to make extensive use of titles, especially in corporate life. Some individuals have family names which ...

Communication (Part 4) – Making contact with the French

Updated January 20, 2018

The French in general are typically conservative when it comes to body language. However, despite the formality of French business culture, people ...

How to make better Business Relationship with French

Updated January 19, 2018

There exists a strong, vertical hierarchy in French business culture. French bosses generally favour a dictatorial and authoritative leadership ...

Speaking French is an asset when doing Business with French

Updated January 18, 2018

French is the only official language in France. However, there are also several regional languages spoken, mostly by elderly residents. English is ...