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
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COUNTRY PROFILE FRANCE
How much do you know about France?
Part (1/4)
FRANCE - HARD FACTS
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Full name
Population
Capital
Area
Major language
Major religion
Life expectancy
Monetary unit
Main exports
GNI per capita
International dialing
code
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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
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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
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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 bestloved wines.
CASE STUDY –
AN OFFICE PARTY
PART (2/4)
AN OFFICE PARTY IN FRANCE
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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.
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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.
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Morris’s hospitality was not accepted.
Why? What happened?
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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?
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QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
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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
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E.g. Arab culture, German Culture
 E.g. Good gift ideas from Taiwan – famous Taiwanese
brands and products
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Nation Movies:
E.g. Amilie From Montmartre (FR)
 E.g. Fun with Dick and Jane (USA)
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FRENCH CULTURE IN BRIEF
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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
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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
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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 VS SMALL POWER DISTANCE
Small Power Distance
Large Power Distance
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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.
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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.
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.
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German culture: a bottle of Scotch whiskey and a box of
butter cookies or chocolate for a host
 Muslim culture:
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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.
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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:
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Amilie From Montmartre (FR)
 It is a lovely film as well as fantastic love story.
 How is your working life different from Amilie’s?
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CHECKPOINT
Part (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.
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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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-ENDDo you have any questions?
 You are encouraged to ask questions!
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