Introduction
France is an independent country and the third-largest in Europe; it’s in the western part of Europe. In the 20th century, France has undergone several ups and downs such as two world wars, as well as social problems. France consists of six overseas units; overseas territories which are made up of widely spread islands, and many small islands. The country of France covers 547,030 square kilometers which is a combination of plain land, uplands, forested areas, and farming lands (Brigham Young University, 1998). The population of France is measured to have been growing at a slow pace of 0.35% though the current population is about 58.6 million with a three-quarter of the population living in the country’s urban areas.
Language and religion
Among other languages French have a better way of life marked with high standards of living as many people gain a lot from the wealth and the country’s reliable programs of social wellbeing. Recently it has become compulsory for every individual to know French as it is the language used in communication between the nations and business. This has been put forward despite the origin of any person. French is a common language as it is second to English and is used in communication among the United Nations. Though French is a common language, the government has also insisted on the need for its citizens to be familiar with other languages (Brigham Young University, 1998). The majority of French about 91% are Roman Catholic worshipers. They make use of religious holidays and mass which comes annually or two times per year. As well some people make use of shrines and other holy places to worship.
Mode of dressing
The level of education, wealth in terms of money, and family good statuses are the factors that the French believe to be the basis for judging success. Having other cultures in the country French has completely refused to be influenced showing their high level of patriotism (Brigham Young University, 1998). They are people who adore their culture and appreciate their way of life. In terms of dressing, French are recommendable as they also adhere to fashions. They dress well in all cases whether formal or casual dressing, they as well appreciate any visitor who displays the same kind of dressing. The customs of France encourage that, when greeting someone shaking hands and parting is the best way. It’s considered so impolite to shake someone’s hand aggressively. Incases people of the opposite sex are greeting each other; it’s the man who is supposed to initiate the greetings and offer his hand to the woman but not the opposite. If someone has dirty hands he is supposed to offer his elbow or the upper arm.
Greetings
The title of the person or his name is combined with the greetings through the colleagues and close friends pass greetings by use of the first name. It’s considered impolite for someone sitting down with his legs spread apart the knees should be put together. The behavior of putting legs on the tables or chairs is discouraged. They are also very careful in some personal habits like sneezing. In France people do not visit others without notice, and when visiting they arrive on time but for some events they arrive few minutes later to allow for preparation (Brigham Young University, 1998). Punctuality is enhanced and is perceived as a sign of courtesy visitors remain outside until are invited inside the house by the host. If there are some guests invited for dinner they are expected to send host a note to thank him the following day. When eating, both hands are expected to remain on top of the table throughout, but not the elbows. One is not expected to use cheese twice.
Aspects of culture that affect the business in France
There are some cultural aspects in France which affect the business greatly; France is developed with modern types of infrastructure. This encourages a lot of foreign investors as they come being so sure of benefiting from a skilled workforce. France is also located well which doesn’t hinder the trading with other European unions. In this country, it’s their cultural practices to offer courses on how to do businesses this enables businessmen to lead a very successful business life. These courses ensure that any foreign investors or its citizen is aware of all the challenges involved in businesses and how to tackle them accordingly (Brigham Young University, 1998). These courses as well ensure every business person is aware of the major strategies of doing business more effectively.
Finally, successful business relationship among the business people, clients and other prosperous businessmen is ensured. Every individual has a place in the society in France; this means that in every business the social status of every individual is put into consideration (Brigham Young University, 1998). This results to a complete customer satisfaction and increased output in the business. In its culture there is no room for tolerating uncertainty as they are very keen on the adherence to the set rule s and regulations. This plays a great role to business people as they make decisions on risk taking in their businesses.
Another important cultural aspect of France is that there are rules and regulations set to guide the businesses which must be followed. These rules boost the businesses a great deal for instance it’s only the chosen person at the top who can make decisions regarding the business, and the rest should follow towards the achievement of the set goals. The time decided upon for business is a must and should be followed by everyone (Brigham Young University, 1998). There are known social and business etiquette which include being straight forward and honest and this contribute positively in any business. The use of efficient and well-prepared business memos to communicate in business is also a contributor towards the achievement of the business objectives. The cultural practices in France of gift giving, wining and dining together in social places, is a well utilized opportunity for discussing business matters, rewarding the best performers, and finding solutions of the challenges being faced in the business.
Geert Hofsedes cultural dimensions for France
Geert Hofstede makes people aware of different cultures to ensure effectiveness when people from different countries are interacting. This knowledge reduces any anxiety among individuals. Hofstede uses five dimensions of cultural aspects to guide people. Firstly, he uses the power distance index dimension; this implies that people should understand how the authority should flow in any society. A high power country like France, the power is centralized and its citizens are obliged to obey the superiors. It’s based on the fact that all communities are not equal but some tend to be more unequal than others (Brigham Young University, 1998). Secondly, he talks about individualism, whereby people should work in groups, get integrated together, and create cohesiveness in their team.
France is a high individualism country with greater individual initiative and wealthier compared to other high collectivism countries which are poor. Thirdly, its masculinity, in some countries values for men and women are determined differently depending on the perception of each countries citizen. France is one of the high feminine countries marked with their friendly atmosphere, jobs security, and their great emphasize on quality life and great concern about others. France is a high uncertainty avoidance country which is emphasized by their less managerial risk taking and a strong belief in their knowledge. The other dimension is uncertainty avoidance index, whereby the culture is determined whether it provides comfort to its people or not. France is a high uncertainty avoidance country which is observed in their less managerial risk taking and a strong belief in their knowledge.
Tricon group of companies
Tricon group of companies is one of France companies listed in UAE directory. The cultural management of this company consists off the following; their mission is to give maximum quality services on time by use of less cost taking into consideration the society as well as the internal and external environment. It emphasizes on creating harmony socially and environmentally. From one generation to the other tricon group of companies, have been managed centrally with qualified and competent employees. They have proofed this through the delivery of their quality services in various fields. This company is experiencing a new type of growth the control of the Al Maskari managers (Cateora & Graham, 2007). Its traditional way of leadership is now being complimented by new innovations and technology. Its management and employees are termed as long terms who have maintained the company’s reputation globally. The management and the staff are considered as the engines for being under control of the productivity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, France is a developed country and well equipped in areas like social and cultural beliefs and economically. Its culture is admirable as it is managing to incorporate a very large population especially from different parts of the world. business wise people are highly benefiting from its developed economic status especially the infrastructure. Companies are enjoying highly skilled labor from the quality education offered in France and business courses.
Reference
Brigham Young University, (1998). Culturgram 99. Brigham Young University.
Cateora, P.R. & Graham, J.L. (2007). International Marketing. (13th ed), McGraw-Hill.