Overview of cultural differences between doing business in France and the US,

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US- France Trade:
Key cross-cultural differences

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Why cultural awareness training?
Visible differences
Literature language
Music Food
Holidays Games
Invisible differences
Concept of beauty justice
Notions of leadership
Courtship / friendship
Esthetics Time
Approach to problem solving
Concept of disease competition

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Local Cultural Knowledge

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French business culture
• Formality / protocols
• Logic and rationality
• Analytical decision making
• Process over results & actions
• Context-based wit
• Pride in “French style”

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US Business Culture
• Yes attitude
• Achievements over status, education
• Short term objectives and ROI
• Self-promotion
• Subtle hierarchy/ accountability
• Time is money
• Think BIG

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• American English
• Take initiative
• Be proactive
• Bring solutions- not
problems
• Be positive
• Sense of urgency
• Communicate directly
US Business Communication

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• Highly informal
• Handshakes and hugs
• Ask questions
• Minimize silence
• Use visuals
• Business focused not
relationship
• Leave with action plan
US Business Meetings

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Discussion
• How do you communicate with your clients/ employees?
• How do you promote your products/services?
• How do you handle customer complaints?
• How do you negotiate?
• How do you joke/ use humor?
• How do you motivate employees/team members?
• How do you earn trust?
• How do you communicate bad news?
• How do you celebrate business accomplishments?
• How do you present/introduce new ideas?

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Merci
Questions/ Suggestions
Myriam Siftar
215-729-6765
siftar@mtmlinguasoft.com
@mtmlinguasoft