UNIT 10: HOSPITALITY ACROSS CULTURES Intercultural Business Communication

Instructor: Hsin-Hsin Cindy Lee, PhD

CONTENTS

Part 1: Country profile Part 2: Case study Part 3: Learning points Part 4: Checkpoint References

COUNTRY PROFILE - FRANCEHow much do you know about France?

Part (1/4)

FRANCE - HARD FACTS Full name Population Capital Area Major language Major religion Life expectancy

Monetary unit Main exports

GNI per capita International dialing

code

French Republic 61.6 million (UN, 2007) Paris 543,965 sq km French Christianity 77 years (men), 84

years (women) (UN) 1 euro = 100 cents Machinery and transport

equipment, agricultural products, including wine

US $34,810 (World Bank, 2006)

+33

FRENCH IMAGES

POLITICAL ECONOMY A key player on the world stage and a country at the political

heart of Europe, France paid a high price in both economic and human terms during the two world wars.

The years which followed saw protracted conflicts culminating in independence for Algeria and most other French colonies in Africa as well as decolonization in south-east Asia.

France was one of the founding fathers of European integration as the continent sought to rebuild after the devastation of World War II.

In the 1990s Franco-German cooperation was central to European economic integration. The bond between the two countries was again to the fore in the new millennium when their leaders voiced strong opposition as the US-led campaign in Iraq began.

France's colonial past is a major contributing factor in the presence of a richly diverse multicultural population. It is home to more than five million people of Arab and African descent.

POLITICS AND HIGH CULTURE Government in France is known for its high degree of

centralization but in March 2003 parliament approved amendments to the constitution allowing for the devolution of quite wide-ranging powers to the regions and departments. French people disillusioned by the ubiquitous influence of what is often perceived as the Paris elite.

France has produced some of the continent's most influential writers and thinkers from Descartes and Pascal in the 17th century, through Rousseau and Voltaire in the 18th, Baudelaire and Flaubert in the 19th to Sartre and Camus in the 20th.

In the last two centuries it has given the art world the works of Renoir, Monet, Cezanne, Gauguin, Matisse and Braque, to name but a few.

It is also famous for its strong culinary tradition. France produces more than 250 cheeses and some of the world's best-loved wines.

CASE STUDY – AN OFFICE PARTY

PART (2/4)

AN OFFICE PARTY IN FRANCE

An American manager by the name of Bill Morris worked for an American multinational firm. One year he was transferred to France.

When he began working in the French office, he wanted to get to know his employees and show them that he was friendly and interested in a good work relationship.

He decided to throw a party for the whole office. He thought it would be a good way to get acquainted with everyone in a less formal environment.

He invited everyone in his office, including secretaries and executive, for a big party in his elegant apartment.

THE FRIENDLY HOST…

Everyone accepted the invitation. He was pleased that no one had declined his invitation.

At his apartment Morris served a buffet of snack foods and drinks.

Morris liked this casual style of parties. As an informal and relaxed host of the party, he could show his employees that he was an open person and easy to talk to.

Morris feels these are important qualities of a manager and boss.

THE RESULTS… The party, however, was not a success. The

employees were very uncomfortable as guests.

They felt they didn’t know Morris well enough to be in his home.

They thought Morris was showing off his money by inviting them to his luxurious apartment.

They also were not comfortable with one another because they were not used to socializing together.

Morris’s hospitality was not accepted.

Why? What happened?

YOUR ANALYSIS

Morris’s hospitality was not accepted by his colleagues. Why didn’t they feel their new boss was friendly and hospital?

Do you think Morris’s colleagues see him as a friend?

What could have Morris done to improve his relationship with his colleagues?

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Can you answer the following questions in terms of French, American and Taiwanese cultures?

Is it common to socialize with employees from different levels of the company?

What is the role of the boss in the social life of the office?

Is the style of entertaining colleagues formal or informal?

Is it common to entertain business colleagues at home? Why or Why not?

What is different about socializing with friends and socializing with colleagues?

What are common ways of socializing with business colleagues?

Can you use the model synthetic cultures to explain the differences between those national cultures?

LEARNING POINTS Part (3/4)

OUTLINE Socializing style and manners in France Large power distance VS small power distance

cultures Intercultural business communication tips for

the hospitality – Gift Giving E.g. Arab culture, German Culture E.g. Good gift ideas from Taiwan – famous

Taiwanese brands and products Nation Movies:

E.g. Amilie From Montmartre (FR) E.g. Fun with Dick and Jane (USA)

FRENCH CULTURE IN BRIEF Centralisation – France has a long and notable history of

centralisation reflected in its geography, transportation system, Government and business. This outlook originated in the power and authority of the earlier monarchs and despite the democratic society, remains a significant part of the French presidency today. In the world of French business, centralisation exists in the concentrated authority that generally lies with one individual.

Individualism and individuality – France’s distinguished individuality is an important cultural characteristic that describes the French passion for uniqueness and freedom of opinion, both in society and in business. However, individuality should not be confused with the term individualism, which is equally essential in France, but refers to having a separate but equal sense of place in society. Individualism in the French business environment means that a greater concern is placed on social status and being judged as an individual.

Uncertainty avoidance – One aspect of French culture that has a major influence on business in France, is the country’s attention to rules and regulations. The French have a low tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity, which, for those wishing to conduct business in France, is significant in their reluctance to take risks.

SOCIALIZING STYLE The French have an inherent sense of privacy exhibited in their

definite distinction between business and personal life. Don’t expect to be invited out in the evenings after work as most people will go home to their families.

Relationships are an important part of French business culture, and you will often spend a few minutes getting to know your colleagues before discussing business.

In French business culture it is customary to only use first names when invited to do so. Sometimes the French will introduce themselves by saying their surname first, followed by their Christian name.

Lunch is one of the best places to forge business relationships in France, but business lunches are not as common as they used to be. If invited to one, it is always polite to accept.

A business meeting should begin and end with a brisk handshake accompanied by an appropriate greeting and the exchanging of business cards.

DOS AND DON’TS DO maintain an air of formality and reserve during all

business practices and at all levels within the business, using titles wherever possible.

DO make direct but moderate eye contact with your French business colleagues.

DO try to learn a few basic French phrases and use them whenever possible. Your efforts will not go unnoticed.

DON’T discuss your family or other personal matters during negotiations.

DON’T be put off by frequent differences in opinion and rigorous debate during business negotiations. The French will appreciate your ability to defend your position.

DON’T rush or display signs of impatience with your French counterparts. The French take their time before arriving at a decision.

Large Power Distance Small Power Distance

E.g. France In a society of large power

distance, nobody thinks that people are all equal or should have the same rights.

E.g. Parents are not children, leaders are not followers, and kings are not citizens

In French business culture, the highest individual in authority still tends to be the only one who can make the final decision.

E.g. America In a society of small

power distance, people tend to believe that they all have equal opportunities, status and rights.

People see each another as peers rather than superiors-subordinates.

‘Leadership’ seldom means that you use ‘authority’ to oppress your subordinates.

LARGE VS SMALL POWER DISTANCE

MORE TIPS ON INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION FOR GIFT GIVING AND SHOWING HOSPITALITY

There are many ways of giving and accepting gifts.

Before you visit a business associate in a foreign country, always inquire about the local custom and consider your options carefully. German culture: a bottle of Scotch whiskey and a box

of butter cookies or chocolate for a host Muslim culture:

Muslims do not drink alcohol. Any alcoholic gifts are improper. A guest with food as a gift suggests the host is not generous. Muslims often refuse an offer or gift a few times before

accepting. Quick acceptance shows greediness. If you praise a Muslim's possession, he/she might give the

thing to you as a gift to show his friendship and generosity. If you refuse a Muslim’s gift, you refuse his friendship.

SHORT BREAK

SHORT BREAK

Are you interested in French culture? Would you like to experience French-style

life? Why don’t you try to watch this movie:

Amilie From Montmartre (FR) It is a lovely film as well as fantastic love story. How is your working life different from Amilie’s?

CHECKPOINTPart (4/4)

CHECKPOINT

Give three examples on differences between French and American business cultures.

How shall you get along with French colleagues if you work in France?

What are common gifts for German people? How shall you send an appropriate gift to

Muslims? Give at least two examples.

REFERENCES

Business Across Cultures. By Laura M. English and Sarah Lynn.

www.bbc.com.tw (country profile) Doing Business in France. By Corao Malinak,

Communicaid Consultancy. CIA The World Factbook 2007

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Do you have any questions? You are encouraged to ask questions!