FRANCE | Internship: At work | Cultural standards
The term “cultural standard” is generally understood as the values, norms and evaluation criteria between the members of one culture. Attitudes, actions and behaviour conform to these standards.
Cultural norms contain behaviour and manners which foreigners notice to be different from their own culture. There are no characteristics valid for each and every individual of a culture. Be aware of the fact that cultural standards are only generalisations. They help you to understand unexpected behaviour and basic values which can avoid misunderstandings and frustrations.
The importance of relations
In order to work together with the French in their business world, one should know that a professional relationship is based on trust and acceptance. Thus, “the complicity,” integrity and personal exchange play the most important role. That’s why kissing the cheeks (“la bise”) is not part of the business world. In addition, authenticity and honest concern determine work relationships: it is very important to know the other person together with his or her opinions, attitudes and motivations. Before any cooperative work, it is indispensable to exchange ideas and to be in contact – not only during work hours, but also during the breaks. Possible subjects of interest might be amongst others leisure time activities or favourite readings. Even in a meeting, it is common to exchange some personal words in order to create a comfortable atmosphere.
Improvisation and structure
A great characteristic of the French culture is the concept of improvisation and creativity together with a spirit of synthesis which should not be confused with a lack of structure. Rules, directives and structure do exist but if one does not see the necessity to apply them in a strict manner, they are more likely understood as a sort of recommendation. “In principle”, rules are followed but everyone has the right to interpret them within the bounds of possibility. In other words, the French oppose “blind” conformity and subordination questioning each regulation. Knowing how to get around rules and improvising in the business world represent a joker in France since flexibility can be very advantageous in case of unpredictable challenges.
Sense of time
Nowadays, simultaneity and global complexity turn the concept of “time” into a dynamic element of the business world. The need to always be up-to-date is an important part of the working world. The French are used to take care of different tasks at the same time. Once the employer has changed his or her mind due to an unexpected situation, a new priority might quash the strictly planned workflow. The effectiveness and performance of a staff member become apparent through his or her ability to accomplish several jobs at the same time instead of holding on to a predetermined work routine. Thus, contracts correspond rather to a declaration of intent than to a fixed and binding agreement.
Ways of communication
The ways to express oneself is of great importance in France and the quality of communication influences relationships considerably: the content is not as important as the way of communicating it. The respondent is the one to interpret the words depending on the situation, the cultural and ideological context, the attitudes and the experiences of the other person and the non-verbal signals. For instance, instead of “No” the French would rather say “Yes, but…” and one is left to read between the lines.
Another French manner is to ramble on or to make side comments. That means to depart from the actual topic in order to discuss more irrelevant matters. In order to learn what is in fact going on in the company, one should “go fishing for information” and watch out for what is not said since unofficial information is more important than the official one.
Private and professional life
For the French there is no difference between their private and professional lives: “joie de vivre,” making jokes and being in a good mood is also a part of their everyday lives. Furthermore, motivated and dedicated people have no problems in adapting to the company’s needs: in case of unexpected situations, fast and non-bureaucratic reactions are common in the French business world. If necessary, one works during the weekends without complaining. However, leisure-time is more devoted to the family than to colleagues.
Hierarchy and decision-making
In general, one can say that the French want to be inspired and seduced during their decision-making process. In order to seduce and convince the other person, one should surprise with picturesque and figurative examples. During meetings and discussions, disagreements are likely to happen. Compromising is rather considered to be a lack of strength. One’s opinion should be given taking into account possible disagreements. This behaviour can thus lead to creative ways of solving problems.
Nevertheless, this stands in contradiction to the prevailing hierarchical structures: the authority of the employer is never questioned and contradictions are not accepted. The employer’s position, decisions and competence are untouchable. That’s why a French team’s effectiveness is characterised by its employer’s quality. Hence, in France “big bosses” are either admired or feared.