La Defense is the Parisian business district.
French business conduct and etiquette reflects the country's overall pride in its achievements and rich history. While it may seem arrogant to Americans, the French hold propriety and rules in high regard. Learning proper French business etiquette shows you value their culture and helps you avoid costly missteps.
Appearance
The French consider appearance of high importance. Neutrally patterned, well-made dark suits, especially in winter, reflect appropriate taste. Those in French business professions usually avoid bright colors and overpowering accessories or flashy jewelry. In summer, French women do not wear pantyhose. French women do wear makeup and consider it part of proper dress. French men do not loosen ties or remove jackets in the office where they meet the public, according to Cyborlink.com.
Invitations stating "informal dress" mean coordinated casual wear--pressed chinos and a button-down shirt--including a jacket for men and a day dress or pantsuit for women, according to ExecutivePlanet.com. If your French colleagues are not wearing ties, you can remove yours.
Greetings
French business people greet with a brief, medium-firm handshake, followed by momentary eye contact. Upon conclusion of business, another handshake is in order. Appropriate address is "Monsieur," for men and "Madame," for all women followed by the last name. Address medical doctors as "Docteur," and lawyers as "Maître." You should avoid using "Mademoiselle" unless specifically asked to. Some French introduce themselves by last name followed by first name. If you are in doubt, ask for clarification.
People in business use the formal "vous" rather than "tu" until invited, although colleagues under 40 years of age most likely will use "tu" and expect you to reciprocate, according to ExecutivePlanet.com.
In French culture, people address waiters, clerks and other service personnel as "Monsieur" or "Madame" and always say "bonjour" (good day) or "bonsoir" (good evening) upon entering a business and "au revoir" (goodbye) when leaving.
Communication
The official language of France is French. You should conduct business in French if possible. If you do not speak French, you should apologize for your lack of knowledge, according to Cyborlink.com. Although most business people speak English, expecting them to is rude.
It is important to consider your volume in French communication as well, according to Cyborlink.com. Unaware Americans inadvertently offend patrons of restaurants, colleagues at meetings and even people on the street with a raised voice or loud laughter. Frequent, intense eye contact is part of French communication.
Meetings
Meetings begin 15 minutes after the scheduled time to allow for late arrivals, according to Intercultural Management's website. Meetings tend to last longer than scheduled, so attendees should plan accordingly. The French generally schedule meetings around 11 a.m. or 3:30 p.m., but you can expect executives to schedule them as late as 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m., according to ExecutivePlanet.com.
Work Week
Business hours in France begin at 9 a.m. and typically end at 5:30 p.m., but executives often remain in their offices until 8 p.m., according to ExecutivePlanet.com. The French do not skip lunch, but most restaurant lunch menus begin at 1 p.m. Business people should allow a minimum of 45 minutes in a company cafeteria and at least 90 minutes in a restaurant. The French generally do not conduct business until after dessert.
Miscellaneous
The French respect privacy, so business people should knock and wait for an invitation to enter a room or office. Do not drop in unannounced, give notice of arrival and book an appointment. Business associates do not typically exchange gifts, but you can use discretion when appropriate. According to Cyborlink.com, appropriate gifts include books, music or other indicators of intellectual pursuits.
