BUSINESS CULTURE AND BUSINESS

COMMUNICATIONOF THE FRANCE

France is one of Europe’s largest countries. It is bordered by six countries other nations: Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg to the northeast, Switzerland and Italy to the southeast and Spain to the southwest.

France is the most popular tourist destination in the world.

France is rich in history and culture. You can find people from all backgrounds and heritages in the country.

Currency used in france is EUROS.

INTRODUCTION

RELIGION

-Roman Catholic 83%-88%

-Protestant 2%

- Jewish 1%

-Muslim 5%-10%

-unaffiliated 4%The national flag of France is a tricolour flag featuring three vertical bands coloured blue (hoist side), white, and red

FEW MOST FAMOUS PLACES OF FRANCE

PARISParis is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine.An important settlement for more than two millennia, Paris is today one of the world's leading business and cultural centres, and its influences in politics, education,entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts,all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities.The city and its region contain 3,800 historical monuments and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

2. Mont St. Michel

4.Museum Louvre

3.Versailles Palace

6. Arc de Triomphe

5. Disneyland

LANGUAGE

Official language of France is French

88% of the population speak French

75 different languages in France

French used to be the language of the nobility and diplomacy all across Europe and in the Ottoman Empire, it was the world’s first real international language until English replaced it in the mid-20th century.

FOOD

French cuisine – sometimes elegant, sometimes rustic, and always exquisite – can be intimidating for a beginner to learn. The legendary fare leaves many cooks feeling that they have something to live up to… a certain unattainable elegance and flair for food.

Since the 16th century, France has been the fashion capital of the World

Famous top designersChanel Christian Dior,

Hermes, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Louis Vuitton, Dior

Fashion Week is held in late January to reveal what is ‘in’ for the following Spring and Summer months

FASHION IN FRANCE

• Fashion and appearance are much more important in France than in most other countries in the world. French will perceive the way you dress as being a reflection of your social status and relative success.

• MEN should wear dark suits, particularly during the winter .• WOMENS 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.

BUSINESS ATTIRE

ATTIRE Dress with care

Fashion-conscious

Good quality accessories

Men also try to keep up style, Attractive and classy

Women wear either stylish clothes or elegant dresses

Clothes are elegant and classy

Backless long dresses and elegant blazers

DINING MANNER AND TABLE MANNER

Not allowed to bring any friends or pets without asking

Fork is held in the left hand while knife is held with the right hand when eating

No elbows on the table

Cross fork and knife on the plate with the fork over the knife if you’re not finished eating

Leave wine glass nearly full if you do not want more

MEETINGS Appointments are necessary and

should be made at least 2 weeks in advance.

Appointments may be made in writing or by telephone and, depending upon the level of the person you are meeting, are often handled by the secretary.

Do not try to schedule meetings during July or August, as this is a common vacation period.

If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation.

Meetings are to discuss issues, not to make decisions.

Avoid exaggerated claims, as the French do not appreciate hyperbole

GESTURES1. Lets speak soon

2. I m bored

3. More or less 4.Bad news

7. Drunk 8. Don’t believe you

• France is also home to the only Disneyland in Europe, located near Paris.

• The Tour de France, the most famous bicycle race in the world is an annual bicycle race of France, in which cyclists cover over 2100 miles in 23 days.

• France is the world’s leader in luxury goods, including haute couture, perfumes and cosmetics.

• It also has the third highest GDP in the world, after Norway and Luxembourg, with an average of US$ 38.16 per hour.

• The largest and most advanced passenger cruise ship, the Queen Mary 2, was built in France in 2004.

• The Statue of Liberty, one of the most widely recognized structures of US, was made in France. It was then gifted to the US in 1886 to celebrate its centennial .

• There are over 40,000 châteaux (castles, manors, palaces…)in France. Bordeaux alone has over 9,000 of them.

• Famous French inventions include the adding machine, the hot air balloon, the airship, the parachute, the submarine, the ambulance service, photography, animation and cinema.

• France is the country that has won the most Nobel prizes for literature (13 as of 2005, with the last prize going back to 1985).

• The first flight of the Concorde took place in 1969, from the French city of Toulouse, one of the centers of the aerospace industry in Europe.

AMAZING FACTS

INTRODUCTION

• Officially called the Republic of Italy, Located at southern Europe.• Capital: Rome.• President: Giorgio Napolitano• Prime Minister: Mateo Rienzi.•Currency: Euro

• Member in groups: UN, EU,NATO, WTO, G4, G6, G7, G10, G20.• Religion: Roman Catholic

Immigrant

•English•French•Spanish•German

•Albanian•Romanian•Romani•Maghreb•Arabic

LANGUAGE

lOfficia

Italian

Foreign

Business Culture in Italy• Have face to face

communication rather than meeting via email, or video chat.

• Not as time oriented as Americans.

• Decision-making process might be slow.

• No Meetings in august

Greetings• Shake hand individually

with everyone in a group.• It is polite to say

“Buongiorno” and “Buonasera”.

• Won’t hesitate to greet people.

• While expansive gestures are common among Italians.

• use “Signor” or “Signora” while

Business meetings and meals

Dress Code: Put large emphasis on personal appearance.

Punctuality is not a priority.

Business card: Exchanging business cards is common.

Usually don’t give business gift.

Business might be conducted over a long lunch.

Body languageEye contact: Should be direct.Stand much closer .

Unacceptable in Public: Chewing gum, leaning and slouching .Known for using the most body language.

Do’s in Italy •Plan appointments by email and confirm by phone•Italian decision making is not very transparent.•Expect slow decision making•Get a feel for elegance and style and familiarize yourself with formalities and•etiquette in dealing with Italians

Don’ts in Italy •Don’t get down to business too soon.•don’t jump to conclusions.Don’t give presents such as knives, handkerchiefs andchrysantium flowers.•Never inquire about the professional background of conversation partner during asocial event