Business Plan for France and Germany

Business etiquettes are an essential part of a company to manage. It is also reffered with the code of ethics in any organization. The study is to guide business consulting professionals about the business etiquettes of two countries, to help them understand the culture diversity of the country better.

The countries chosen for the study will help the consulting professional, with the business ethical code of that country. France and Germany are selected for this study.

France, having a population of about 58M, is the largest western European country. Their official religion is not known, but the majority population is roman catholic. There are almost 4.5M foriegners in the country, from different European countries. For French government, education is an important factor, that’s why their education (from primary school to PhD) is free for the French nationals.

Germany, has a gross population of 81M, and is almost the size of Montana. The religion of Germany is split between roman catholics and protestants. Germany’s has the third largest economu in the world, and the highest in Europe. As compared to US, Germany is much slower in decision making.

Appearance:

France:

1. French people dress conventionally and wear well tailored suits. The US consultants can also wear such suits, in order to give a sense of liking to the professionals.
2. French are conscious of their clothes and appearance. This practice is great when meeting with the professionals, which gives an image of professionalism.
3. French business environment, practice dark colors and avoid bright colors. US consultants needs to keep that in mind, as judgement can be made on this behavior accordingly.

Germany:

1. Alike France, Germany is also conservative in their dressing.
2. Business men and women, observe dark colors and plain white shirts. This also tells about the way their business community dresses.
3. Chewing gum while talking to someone is considered rude. They take it offensive if someone is chewing gum and talking to them. Is needs to be considered by the consultants, if they want to meet the business professionals.

Behavior

France:

1. French people are casual in punctuality. US consultants needs to examine this, as it can be vital if they are on time for a meeting and the individual is not there on time. It is normal for them.
2. French handshake is short, followed by an eye contact. While shaking hand, and contacting in the eye, can help give a good perception of yourself upon them.
3. Most of their gifts are books or music records, as they believe it to be moderate. This behavior is crucial, if a consultant is offering flowers to them. They would find it offensive.

Germany:

1. Punctuality is an important part of a business meeting for Germans. US consultants need to form a sense of punctuality in order to accomplish business goals.
2. Germans’ handshake is like he has met you for the first time. They shake hands warmly every morning. Unlike France, US consultants needs to welcome them warmly in a business environment.
3. Germans don’t like surprises. US consultants needs to go empty handed, if a meeting is formal or informal.

Communication

France:

1. If you do not speak French, it is found offended. In order to make a business deal successful, such consultants should be sent who have a knowledge of speaking French.
2. Interruption in conversation is normal, as they found it to be entertaining. Consultants should be informed, not to get offended by such type of conversation.
3. Art of conversation is appreciated by the French. Putting practical incidents, funny conversation should be done by the consultants to get the French involved.

Germany:

1. Same as French, Germans are also offended by the lack of German dialect.
2. Business professional find it weird when you call them in non-business hours. Urgent things should be done on the other day by the US professionals.
3. Germans love when you call them with their full name. Names should be known by the US executives.

Business Meetings:

France:

1. As in US, business meetings are mostly done in the business hours casually, calling upon indiviuals for the meeting. But, in France, it is thought to be bad ethics. They organize it before time.
2. Most of the meetings are done over a video conference in US. Same can be organized in France if necessary.
3. After the business hours meeting should not be considered in France, which is unlike US.

Germany:

1. Germany also do the business meeting with proposed appointments. Executives should keep this culture in mind.
2. Video conferencing is not considered as a medium by Germans.
3. Germans are flexible in making after business hours meetings. This can be helpful to give details about the matter.