Notes On Publication
From Executive Planet.com (http://www.executiveplanet.com/business-culture-in/132164484415.html)
Public Behaviour
Acceptable public conduct
Updated May 1, 2003
# When you speak their language, be gracious if the French correct your mistakes in grammar or pronunciation. Usually, people who make these efforts care about the French language and are only trying to help you speak it effectively.
# It's strongly recommended that you learn basic French phrases and use them whenever possible. Your efforts will be well appreciated and will be remembered. The French will revert to English if they see you floundering.
# If you can't speak French, preface what you are saying whenever possible with: 'Excusez-moi, s'il vous plait, de vous deranger, mais je ne parle pas francais' ['Please excuse me for bothering you, but I do not speak French']. If you say these words, you are more likely to receive assistance.
# Men should stand, or at least initiate a move to do so, whenever a superior makes an entrance.
# Good posture is considered a sign of breeding in this culture.
# Expect to be greeted by a handshake; kissing on the cheeks [across genders] is also common amongst colleagues at work. It is not extended to outsiders and you should not attempt it until your female colleagues have made the initial move.
# Despite the formality of French business culture, people tend to stand close when speaking to each other. Moreover, touching a shoulder or patting an arm is also commonplace and usually within the bounds of French business etiquette.
# Maintaining eye contact is important, but try not to focus too intently on the other person.
# Chewing gum in public is considered vulgar.
# Keep your hands out of your pockets when in public.
# Slapping an open palm over a closed fist is offensive.
# Snapping fingers is also considered offensive.
# Smiling is treated only with indifference here. It will not be perceived as a greeting or as an indication of approval.
# If you feel the need to point, motion with your whole hand, rather than your index finger.
# Make a writing gesture in the air to summon for the cheque.
# The U.S. 'O.K.' sign [forming a circle with the thumb and forefinger] actually means 'zero' or 'useless' in France. The French 'O.K.' symbol is the North American 'thumbs up;' use this symbol to express approval.
Your guide:
Maurice Contal
Web site:
www.worldexecutives.com
About your guide:
This section was put together with help from Maurice Contal, a regular contributor to ExecutivePlanet.com who is Director of the Crosscutural Management consultancy firm World Executives, which he co-founded in 1996. If you plan to work in France or do business in France, World Executives can give you effective training and coaching.
(From worldexecutives.com:
The two instructors, Michel d'Ornano and Maurice Contal are French. They have been conducting crosscultural training sessions since 1995. They will provide the background information needed to understand why the French behave the way they do. By using practical examples derived from their experience with international corporations and sound cross cultural principles, they will give you the inside view, the French perspective, essential to relate with the French)
Infos : info@worldexecutives.com