The United States of America and France have made their lives differently from the beginning. Likewise, The United States of America and France have also conducted business differently. Business techniques are usually learned through culture, and what is taught from generations before. Conducting business overseas can be problematic if we do not know how another country conducts business. Learning another culture can potentially help you through your business career as you start to expand into international waters. American’s introduce themselves right away when meeting a new person. That is usually the socially acceptable occurrence that happens. In business, “A firm handshake and friendly smile are appropriate in a corporate setting, regardless of the other person’s gender, age, or seniority in the company.” (6). We usually have small talk, and are expected to give positive answers and be appropriate in this …show more content…
Whatever the reason, or the company, we seem to be with France often. Since we together often, we share some business traits. Similarly, we like to introduce ourselves right away. That way people know who they are talking with and who they are doing business with. We also dress for the occasion. American and French people tend to dress well when they are presenting themselves. Along with having similarities, we have some differences as well. Some distinctions are that American’s are less personal in their work settings. Even though we share introducing ourselves right away, we have an altered way of doing so. American’s tend to shake hands and tell our names. The French kiss each other on the cheek and may have a conversation about themselves before getting down to the point. We also differ by not having deep relationships with our co-workers. American’s tend to keep their business life and personal life separate., while French people seem to have a looser line in that
France has had a presence in North America since long before the birth of the United States. Most American history looks back at France's presence on the continent largely from the British side of events that occurred. W. J. Eccles' France In America introduces readers to French history in North America drawing largely from the french side of events. Eccles begins the book around the year 1500 with early french exploration and the events that eventually lead to colonization. France In America details the events that took place in France and french colonies from colonial beginnings to the years following the American Revolution.
...urope began to imitate France in everything. French colonies abroad were multiplying in the Americas, Asia and Africa, while diplomatic relations had been initiated with countries as far away as Siam and Persia.
The second person I approached to start a conversation was of African American descent and in his early twenties. His handshake was firm and he was not hesitant in answering my questions and held the conversation for a short while. On the other hand, in my staring at a stranger experiment, the woman was of Indian descent in her late thirties. She caught me staring before looking down at her phone and she was the only one to not look back at me.
In France, there are many different social norms that are practiced throughout the nation. For example, there are
“Hey, thanks for telling me,” with a soft voice and light smile. Does it sound familiar to you? Perhaps the response seems good and polite on the surface, but people might be very frustrating deep inside. Truly, the burden of societal expectation forbids people to share their true feeling and opinion, therefore a genuine interaction among people becomes very rare. Although the U.S. government encourages gender equality, but the society remains the same; in reality, society has a higher expectation on women over men. In the article “Why Women Smile”, Cunningham evaluates on how societal expectation and personal goal evolves women’s daily behavior; particularly she focuses on the women’s smile. It’s for the better, women weaponize their smile
The book Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, is written specifically with those doing international business in mind. It is essentially a guide to over sixty countries and an explanation of their society and cultural customs. Knowledge of those with whom you are doing business not only can help avoid costly blunders it can also give you an advantage when dealing with them.
Business is very competitive in any society. We focus on production, goals, individuals and management. Each culture has different ways of dealing with people and conducting business. There are many barriers that can affect the way business is conducted and how each country is treated. The main challenge is communicating with other cultures and adapting to change. While there are communication barriers, Jamaica is a collectivistic society and Canada has a relaxed culture. There are noticeable differences in the two countries and Canada fosters strong relationships.
One thing that is easy to spot in a culture is the way that people great each other. The way that people great each other in America vs. Mexico may seem similar but actually are very different. The greeting in America’s pop culture has a variety. First off the greeting between two people that now each other is very relaxed. Usually a hug or a custom handshake is used to greet a friend. However greeting some one that you don’t know is different. People great with a normal handshake and make eye contact to try and make a good impr...
Although small businesses do not make a lot of major deals with large investors, most small businesses create profit revenue greater than large corporations. Small business creators are very brave considering only ten percent of small businesses survive. Unfortunately, some communities do not support local small businesses; they only support the large brand name and force small businesses to die out. Since small businesses will not have a name brand known around the world, many people from communities will not support them because they are not known on a national scale. “This, in turn will affect the local economy and drive capital out of their local economy. On average, for every one hundred dollars spent in an economy, if spent on a
The French culture is known worldwide by its arts and lifestyle. There are many countries in Europe, South America and African are influence by the French culture not just the US. First we have artists like Nicolas Poussin and Louise Moillon who develop a more advance art style. Next is Michel de Montaigne a French philosopher that made essays and writes about the brain advances literature worldwide. They have beautiful architecture and garden, for example The Palace of Versailles and Hall of Mirrors. Third haute couture talk about the high fashion of France spread through Europe and change fashion. Finally, cuisine the evolutionary of food in France and food we still eat today. These are the people and art we owe the French from its culture
In conclusion, the French culture is one that has diversified itself throughout the years, particularly in the areas of: military, culture and holidays. This can be shown through the great legacy and history that the French people have left behind them in the years past, and still continue to produce to this day.
As a client, being welcomed with warmth and empathy is of the utmost importance. Being welcomed into an office with a cold handshake and a gesture to take a seat in a cold plastic chair without any other words would be disconcerting. This type of environment may cause more anxiety and fear for me as a client. A welcome with a smile and some idle chitchat that leads to the discussion of the presenting problem would be the best way to engage me. To talk about the issue indirectly is one of the best ways to get to know what I am worried about. Also, finding a common connection during the first few sessions is also a great way to engage the client. Something like common food interests, sports or clothing would be a great way to make me feel comfortable.
The article talks about a female executive who had visited a conservative Muslim country. She had trouble interacting with male business partners as they come from cultures where women do not often engage in high-level trades. The men refused to shake her hand, which made her, feel disrespected and confused. The author suggests that female businesspeople from liberal countries such as those in the West need to learn that every country has its norm pertaining the roles of men and women. Age is also important in cross-cultural businesses where older people are considered wise. Body language and communication style are also different depending on the culture where in some place direct speaking may be regarded as disrespectful or even rude while in others steady eye contact is considered as a means to build trust. The female business person also has to recognize the signals that she is sending to her corporate partners. She should be wary of offending her business partners of all sexes as the female may judge their fellow women more harshly than how a man would. The woman also has to determine if the signals that she is receiving are cultural norms or sexism. Therefore, the important factors in intercultural businesses are learning the culture of the other person in advance to know how to
As men and women are socialized differently, females tend to express politeness more than men. One common facilitative device is ...
The differences in other cultures vary from beliefs to ways of life, or norms, of the different societies. The importance of understanding and sensitivity to other countries’ differences is crucial to a business’ success. “Lack of familiarity with the business practices, social customs, and etiquette of a country can weaken a co...