nullThe Negotiation Styles of the FrenchThe Negotiation Styles of the FrenchnullIn conducting business, each culture features distinct negotiation atmosphere and styles. Thus, in order to promote the international negotiation process, it’s important to recognize each country’s negotiation styles.The Culture of FranceThe Culture of FranceFrance is a modern country of great diversity. For the last hundreds of years, its culture has had a great influence on western countries, especially in art, literature and philosophy.
The French are proud of their history and their prominent culture are shaped by profound historical events, and by foreign and internal forces and groups.
How the French culture influences its negotiation styles? How the French culture influences its negotiation styles? Nine aspects:Nine aspects:Negotiating goals
The contract seems to be more important than the relationship, even though keeping in touch is a good thing after the negotiation.
Attitudes to the negotiating process
A win-win situation seems to be wanted by French negotiators.
Styles of communication
While negotiating with others, the French would like to use complex sentences. That’s why the French feel uncomfortable when they use English during the negotiation process—they can’t exactly convey their thoughts. Moreover, they may prefer non-verbal communication.
nullTime sensitivity
They have fairly low time sensitivity, so they may be late for a meeting.
Emotionalism
The French don’t show their emotions too obviously. Agreement form
The French prefer specific forms of agreement. As they like to go over details while negotiating, they’d rather have a detailed contract with all the possibilities. For them, the important part in the negotiation is the deal, not the relationship.
Agreement building process
They prefer a top-down agreement, which means to start agreeing in general principles and then go over the details.
nullNegotiating team organization
Even though the French are fairly individualist and seek often a solution “a la Françoise”, they still want a negotiating team based on consensus.
Risk taking:
French are said to be fairly high risk takers, probably because of their creativity and their feeling of intellectual superiority.
The French always like to discuss every detail during the negotiation, which considerably reduces uncertainty and, of course, the intensity of the risk taken. So we could say that French are risk takers but in an environment they know fairly well.
nullAlso, it’s very important to acknowledge the characteristics of the French before you want to know more about its negotiation styles.The Characteristics of the FrenchThe Characteristics of the French(I). Frenchmen are fond of social intercourse and they are good at communicating with others. Social activity is one of the most important part in their daily life.
(II). Frenchmen are born with a sense of humor and romance. They are very talkative and enjoy telling jokes. They love adventures , especially the romantic one .
null(III). The French advocate liberty and are regardless of discipline. So they often fail to be punctual. The more important the appointment is ,the later they will be .
(IV). They think highly of individualism, and they seldom make decisions in group. They love vocations ,and they clearly distinguish personal time from working hours.
null(IV). Frenchmen are extraordinarily proud of their country. They believe that every thing produced in France is the best in the world, including their language. So if you can speak some French in the communication with them ,they will be very happy.
nullAfter learning about the culture of France and the characteristics of Frenchmen, it’s time to learn more about the French negotiation styles.nullNegotiation relation’s establishment
The French are optimistic, humorous, warm-hearted and romantic.
Attach great importance to the relations of friends with mutual trust, which can impact on their businesses.
They mostly carry on their businesses by virtue of trust and relationships.
Decision-making process
Simple organizational structures
Put more emphasis on personal power while little collective decision-making.
Make decisions quickly
The attitude to time
Strict with the others but not with themselves
Devote to work and focus on efficiency while enjoy themselves in leisure timeThe French Negotiation StylesnullnullnullnullThere are some taboos in the culture of France, which means we should try to avoid them during the negotiation process.nullFrench people dislike:
YELLOW
ATROVIRENS
(墨绿色)
FRIDAY
THIRTEEN
null Avoid enquiring about too much personal affairs when associating with French, for example, age, occupation,
Marriage, belief, income and political status.nullIt is forbidden for male to send perfume to female.
It is inappropriate to send presents at the first sight of each other.
nullThere are also some other aspects you should pay attention to!nullIn formal occasions, the French prefer to wear clothes in western style, for example, the overskirt and dress.
They will choose blue, brown and black.
When they attend a ceremony, they would have ceremonial robe or dress. null(I) Frenchman always stick to using French during their negotiations. You’d better master French to some degree when you are having a negotiation with Frenchmen.
(II) However, if they are in a foreign country and look for your help urgently, may be the language using is up to you.nullAs we have mentioned, the French are born with humor and romance, so they prefer to have a negotiation in a relaxing atmosphere. So when negotiating with the French, it would be better for us to talk with them about some social news, cultures and even amusement.
Atmosphere matters mostnull You should discuss in detail during the negotiations on important provisions, which should be individually identified and reflected in the written materials. Before signing, the key issues and all kinds of details should be confirmed even they are eager to end the contract. Thank you!Thank you!