The rules of communication in the French business culture are simple: show respect, be courteous and be aware of the “Eiffel Tower” hierarchy.

1. Excusez-moi,Monsieur…
Communication in
French Business Culture
By Gisel Olivares

2. Mademoiselle? Did you know, that France “bid adieu” to
“mademoiselle” back in February of 2012?
No longer seeing a need to differentiate
between a woman who is married and one
who is not.
Call a young woman that now in a French
workplace and you will probably be
frowned upon, especially if you are
talking to a feminist.

3. The
Eiffel Tower
Hierarchy
The rules of communication
in the French business
culture are simple: show
respect, be courteous and be
aware of the “Eiffel Tower”
hierarchy.
• The “Eiffel Tower” management
structure consists of firm separations
between those in higher positions and
the rest of the company.
• In a French company, having access to
information is a significant basis for
authority and supremacy.

4. Be
Courteous
• Corporate communication is much more formal
in French business culture,
using Monsieur (M.) and Madame(Mme.).
• Managing communication in France consists
of diplomacy while remaining courteous.
• Ever heard that the French were rude? That is
because they are not reluctant to be direct
about what they think or feel.
• They are also not afraid of conflict with their
co-workers, meaning that speaking their minds
tends to come easily to them, even in the
workplace.

5. Networking
in French
Business
Culture
• Decision-making is prone to be delayed by this
meticulous corporate ranking and exclusivity
of administration in French business culture.
• Usually, there is a lot of policy to get through;
so how do you cut through it? Networking.
• The “réseau” (network) you are part of can help
give you with “special treatment” or advantages
in your professional or personal life.

6. Networking
Cont’d…
• Networking can also help you advance
sooner when doing business in France.
• Once again, this is because many
businesses in France will have a very
visible hierarchy that is frequently
made up of a complex network of
cliques.
• The younger generation is trying to
break free from this hierarchy system
by implementing more open-minded
concepts and being flexible to change.

7. Taboos
• Taboos are rare in French business culture and social environment, despite the
seemingly strict hierarchy.
• First, always attempt to speak French, do not simply start a conversation in
English.
• If the conversation continues in English, do not overrate the person or group’s level
of capability and understanding of the language.
• Second, if you are exchanging “les bises” (double-kisses, one on each cheek) do not
reach out to shake their hand.

8. Business
Meetings
Still interested in
business with the French?
• Keep in mind is to stay clear of demanding
sales strategies.
• Do not pressure them into making hasty
decisions.
• Hostile selling methods will not work with the
French.
• During a business meeting, be ready for a lot
conversation and swapping of information.
• Remember to be patient because decisions are
not often made in the first meeting.

9. Business
Meetings
Cont’d…
• Be sure to arrive completely ready even to
initial meetings with sharp ideas and well
thought out arguments.
• Aim to be on time to these meetings, but being
5 minutes late is alright.
• If you are running 10-15 minutes, call to let
them know.
• After 20-minutes late, you should reschedule
the meeting.

10. Parting
Facts
• As the largest country in the European
continent, thus also the most diverse
with over 66 million inhabitants, its
strategic location makes it a central
point for connecting with the rest of the
world.
• Both the location and current economic
status of France are great elements that
can support an international brand,
local business or the expansion of your
business on a global scale.

11. Why work
with the
French?
• What makes the French business
culture so great to work with is the
French peoples’ level of respect and
courtesy amongst each other in the
workplace.
• It is also nice to work with their laid-
back approach when it comes to
meetings and work hours; full time
being typically 35 hours a week.
• Despite the hierarchy, with younger
management and startups rising,
working with the French proves to be
flexible and beneficial.

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