France

Doing Business in France

As the 5th largest economy in the world and boasting world-class organisations in the fields of banking and finance and aeronautics and technology doing business in France should not be dismissed. Intellectual property rights, contracts and property rights all enjoy strong regulation and protection while the corruption of officials is minimal.

In short, it is understandable why the stable nature of the French business climate comprising of an educated workforce, sophisticated consumer base and a strong foundation of successful companies spread across a variety of industries with government policies not generally interfering in foreign investment, has attracted investors from across the globe.

When doing business in France it is important to be aware that the French Government has played a pivotal role in shaping French businesses since the Second World War. Interestingly, these interventionist policies have been largely accepted by mainstream businesses who have worked-hand in-hand with senior civil servants in the ministries. French protectionist policies have proven a challenge to remove and, although the French Government has partially or fully privatised several large companies, a strong administrative presence is still felt in the power, defence, public transport and financial sectors.

Other large-scale obstacles to bear in mind when doing business in France is the fact the nation has a high unemployment rate of around 10% of the work-age population. Rigid and complex labour laws are partially responsible for limiting employment growth. The country also has the burden of high levels of public debt and national budget deficits.

A noticeable characteristic that seeps into both French business negotiations and business practices is the value placed upon high levels of educational attainment and intellectual dexterity. The viewing of academic excellence as a prized commodity stems from the prestigious French education system which pushes bright students through elite schools known as Grandes Ecoles. Instilling competitiveness in pupils from an early age can mean adults do not work effectively in teams within the workplace. Education being so esteemed results in a love of logic, well-prepared meetings and research delivered in an articulate and eloquent manner (or in a grammatically correct, rigorously checked written format) often being the keys to winning the respect of important French decision-makers.

The World Business Culture website can provide any professional looking to do business in France with the background knowledge and actionable advice they need to succeed in the French market and help them navigate French business culture.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture.  Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Australia only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in France only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.