A study on various

aspects of Culture
which have impact on
Communication
With reference to-:

FRANCE

Introduction
O Communicating across cultures begins with the basic

understanding that one size does not fit all. Simply because you
practice certain cultural habits or patterns, does not mean that
the rest of the world does.
O The main criterion for effective communication is to understand
the culture of the country you are doing business with.
O Gestures and conversation may vary among countries. Topics
and gestures you may deem normal and acceptable, may be
viewed as taboo subjects . Such errors in communication may
have a serious impact on the success of the negotiation process.
O While France is a culturally aware nation, the French also have
high expectations when it comes to understanding their culture
so preparation is a must if you are to create a positive image
from the beginning.

Differences in French Culture:

OBody Language:
O 1. Kissing:In France, it is widely practiced

for one to greet another with a kiss on the

cheek. It is a norm to start off with the right
cheek.
O 2. Hand Movements:The commonly used
"OK" sign in America means the number
ZEROin France.
O 3. Personal appearance :In France, it is very
important tosit up&stand up straight.
Children are constantly reminded to follow the
procedures as it is known as a form of

Differences in French
Culture:
OTime:
O French are Polychromic.
O The French are more time flexible and creativeand

they do not feel bound to a previous decision ...

O Eg.. Beginning a meeting 15 minutes later than
scheduled so as to wait for those who are late and
who expected it to be.
O Surprisingly enough for most Americans, the
productivityof the French (when they work) is
higher than the productivity of the Americans !

Differences in French
Culture:
OSpace:
O People tend to have smaller personal space and

are happy to stand within arms length when

speaking to one another.
O The personal space also varies between those
living in the country (preferring more distance) to
those in larger cities (happy with smaller
distances) who tend to use the Metro and
crowded places more often.
O Eye contact is important to show your
trustworthiness and interest.

Etiquette & Customs in France

O Meeting Etiquette:
O The handshake is a common form of greeting.
O First names are reserved for family and close friends.

Wait until invited before using someone's first name.

O Gift Giving Etiquette:
O Flowers should be given in odd numbers but not 13,
which is considered unlucky.
O Gifts are usually opened when received.
O Some older French retain old-style prohibitions
against receiving certain flowers: White lilies or
chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals; red
carnations as they symbolize bad will; any white
flowers as they are used at weddings.

FRENCH Business Etiquette

(Relationships &
Communication)
O French business behavior emphasizes

courtesy and a degree of formality.

O Mutual trust and respect is required to get
things done.
O Creating a wide network of close personal
business alliances is very important.
O If you do not speak French, an apology for
not knowing their language may aid in
developing a relationship.

Other aspects of Culture:

O Power Distance:
O Franceranked 8 of 39 High Power Distance.
O High Power Distance: Boss should be

benevolent autocrat
O Emotional Expression:
O i)People quite often will display emotions
such as love and grief quite strongly.
O Ii)In public it is rare to see angry outbursts or
people raising their voices. These kinds of
behaviors are seen as a sign of a lack of selfcontrol.

POINTS TO BE NOTED
O French have higher-context culture.
O Implication:. In a higher-context culture,

many things are left unsaid, letting the

culture explain. Words and word choice
become very important in higher-context
communication.
O French follows Particularism.
O Implication:. They pay attention to the
obligations of relationships and unique
circumstances.For them spirit of law
more important than the letter of law.

To become successful as a
cross-cultural communicator:
O Remember that your own culture provides an

acceptable framework for behavior and belief.

O Be aware that your preferences and
behaviors are culturally based and not the
correct or only ones.
O Become sensitive to a range of verbal and
non-verbal signals.
O Have an open mind towards the views of
others and their ways of doing things.
O Most important, Remember there are no
universal gestures !