Business environment - My task is to provide a brief written report providing an overview of the business environment of a country ( FRANCE ) suitable for the orientation of British expatriate managers - Coursework Example

Business Environment in France Introduction France has been rated the fifth leading economy the world over as far as the Gross Domestic Product is concerned. The principle industrial sectors in France include aerospace, defense, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, construction, and automobile production. The country receives over 75 million tourists annually, and has therefore, been rated as the mainly visited country all over the world. France has a big industrial base, considerable agricultural resources, and well skilled work force.

Moreover, France is an active member of the European Union, G-8, the OECD, and the World Trade Organization (Gordon and Kingston 12). In addition to this, France is the second biggest trading country in the Western Europe. Business culture of France France is the largest West European country with a population of about 58 million people. The official language in the country is French with 88% of the country’s population suing it as their first language. The French hold fast to homogeneous and strong set of ethics and values.

They treasure their history, culture, cuisine, and language. French have for a long time being the leaders in food, fashion, art, architecture, and wine. They have a culture of embracing new ideas, manners, and novelty; with eagerness provided, they are elegant (Gordon and Kingston 45). France is among the most essential trading and business partners on a global and European level. For a country to carry out trade in French successfully, it is important to make itself familiar with the most significant characteristics of the French business culture.

The most common form of business meeting etiquette in French in greetings by handshake. This is usually common among colleagues, with a kiss on the cheeks as the most common greeting among friends. In business communications, one is expected to apologize if they cannot speak French. Questions are asked directly with discussions often becoming heated. Business environment in French is hierarchically shaped with private and business life with a sharp separation. Dress etiquette is also highly emphasized in French with men expected to put on dark-colored business suits in initial meetings.

Women, on the other hand, are expected to put on dresses in soft colors or business suits. Generally, business culture in French emphasizes formality and courtesy (Gordon and Kingston 71). Political and legal systems of France It is arguable that there are two elements that play a significant role in the French business. These elements are government and education. The French Government plays a significant role as far as business is concerned in French. The government of France has played a significant role in shaping the direction of companies within the country since the Second World War.

The government is capitalistic and encourages an open market based scheme in the country. The primary goals of the government policies are increased competitiveness among industries, integration and adaptation of European markets, preparation to face competition, prioritizing education, and training employees as well as developments in research. Values and norms of France Historical events, internal and foreign forces, and geography among other factors have shaped the values and norms of the French.

Modern French is a result of the corporation of the overseas colonies and historical provinces into the political and geographical culture. The French have been credited for being among the politest people in the world. This is evident in the manner they address another person before saying anything. They initiate speech with the word ‘Bonjour’ with the person been addressed expected to reply in a way (Gordon and Kingston 87). French are conscious of the environment, and unlike the English people, they do not litter the environment.

Their roads, beaches, motorways, and public places are usually clean. Moreover, the French are family-oriented and frequently conduct ‘family get togethers’ (Gordon and Kingston 95). The French are usually reserved at first but once familiar with people, they are welcoming and open. If invited to a place, they carry flowers or chocolates for their hosts. In addition to this, they are rather punctual and usually arrive at the specified time. They are conservative in dressing and look for originality and not eccentricity.

For instance, women cannot put on such things as hot pants and bare midriffs except on beaches. Their standards are high when food is concerned. They take a lot of pride is serving well-prepared meals. This is evident in a bride’s list of dinner items. In the recent years, the number of people going to church has declined significantly in France. However, a large number of people marry in church and Christine their children. Cultural dimensions in France Cultural dimension and individualism gauges to what extend a person can look after family members and oneself.

The French cultural dimension is 71, which is higher than the world average (Gordon and Kingston 119). Masculine score is also important in gauging cultural dimension. A high masculine score reflects a higher success value, material and money processions. A lower masculine value reflects that more emphasis are on the care for others and the quality of life. French has a masculine score of 43, which is lower than the world average. Conclusion France is a country that has exhibited a short-term orientation.

This means that the country has a lot of respect for tradition and norms of truth as its guideline. As far as business is concerned, this short-term orientation is geared towards quick results (Gordon and Kingston 121). This means that consumption entails immediate fulfillment, which is susceptible to rituals and social trends. Management is driven by personal achievement, self-reliance, and hard work. Work cited Gordon Colin and Kingston Paul. The business culture in France. London: Butterworth-Heinemann. 1996. 1-172. Print.