WORK ENVIRONMENT

Time is rigorously honored. All decisions/clarifications go through formal business channels. You may find that the use of office supplies including the telephone and fax machines are not rigorously defined but don't take advantage of this. Play it by ear and do not make indiscriminate use of these facilities in any case.

These are some of the main differences between the Indian and the French work environment:

• There are no "peons" or office boys in the French workplace, and everybody gets their own lunch and tea/coffee from coffee machines in their own mugs which, are washed by them.
• Lunchtime is usually a short and casual time when "brown-bagged" (brought from home) or "carry out" sandwiches are eaten sitting at one's desk or with colleagues.
• Those eating out, rarely take off for more than half an hour. The official lunch time depends from place to place and is normally one hour from 12 noon to 1 pm and some companies have their own Cafeterias.
• It is considered rude to talk loudly at work, or to speak with other colleagues in foreign languages even if they are from your country.

CONCEPT OF TIME

The French are also very particular About France honoring deadlines. They take them very seriously and expect you to do the same.

Note the following:

• Deadlines are honored and stuck to, and the same is expected of you.
• Ensure that you make appointments for both business and social occasions. While you should strive to be punctual, you won't be considered late if you arrive ten minutes after the scheduled time. Tolerance for arriving late increases as you go further south.
• In French business culture, hours are from 8:30 or 9am to 6:30 or 7pm. Lunch may last for two hours or more. In Paris, lunch begins at 1pm; in the provinces, at noon or 12:30pm. Executives often stay in the office until 7 or 8pm.
• Staying late at the office is common, especially for individuals in more senior positions.
• The best time to schedule meetings is usually 11am or 3:30pm.

MEETINGS

Note that the French give a lot of importance to meetings. They are also used to clarifying various doubts that your French counterparts may have regarded your reports.

• Meetings are important and have a time limit. You must be able to understand others and get your view across in the allotted time.
• Though the meetings may be informal at the onset, you are expected to have professionalism, competence and depth of knowledge.
• Be on time for the meeting and be prepared for it.
• Listen attentively and take notes during discussions, but don't interrupt a person who is speaking. It is important to show respect for the other person's point of view.
• Be clear on the points you wish to make before you speak and respond to points made before making your own observations. Question but do not accuse and discuss but do not argue.
• Avoid nervous and distracting gestures. When you are meeting two or three people it is appropriate to mention that you would like to take notes on the points discussed.
• As a part of the meeting, you should contribute ideas. Don't hesitate to suggest an idea even if you feel it may not be received well.
• Make sure that you have understood everything that was said at the meeting and that your impressions were correct. Summarize the decisions taken and the action plan.
• Those who propose new ideas and actions must be prepared to implement them.

PRESENTATIONS

While working at a company, you will be asked to present the main points of your assignment to your superior, and at the end of your assignment, you will have to present your results, or the finished product. It is important how you make your presentation, because you will make an impression on your company that will stick.

• Presentations need to be tightly linked to a key objective.
• The time spent on preparation decides the effectiveness of your presentation.
• Your points must be related to the goal you are seeking.
• It should be structured in a coherent and logical fashion. Run through your presentation with a colleague, clearing your doubts on tricky words, which will help you fine-tune it, removing obvious mistakes.
• Choose your words and ideas to reflect your goal clearly and effectively. Do not use jargon, slang, or showy words.
• Choose your words and manner according to your situation and the person to whom you are making the presentation.
• During your presentation, if your audience corrects you, thank them, and remember the correction.
• You will be asked many questions so make sure that your facts are up to date and comprehensive. When responding to a question or an observation, respond first to the concerns of the person before making your point.

You must look at not just the content but also the process of presentation:

• Speak clearly.
• Don't be too loud or too soft.
• Be aware of your nonverbals or body language, and also be aware of the body language of your audience. Their body language will tell you a lot About France how they are reacting to you.
• You have a certain amount of time in which to finish and you should use this time profitably. Don't go on and on.

The principal expectations of a French audience are:

• clarity
• progressiveness
• gimmicks/slogans
• hard sell

Count on the attention span being About France 30 minutes. The French will listen to your presentation attentively, and you must deliver it in a respectful manner.

REPORTS

Reporting is an important managerial process and it is a vital channel of information. Effective practice of your business writing skills is important for sending out good reports.

• Make sure you report is clear and concise. Make sure you use the right syntax, and active verbs are preferred. Whenever possible, keep your sentences short.
• Use simple words and precise sentences, and have as little paper work as possible. Your report must be focussed and to the point.
• Highlight your important points and use graphics or live examples to illustrate a point.
• Be aware of whom you are reporting to and what he/she would need to know.

THE ASSIGNMENT

You must make sure to be fully aware and up-to-date on your job assignment, as you will be expected to be resourceful and productive. It can be difficult with jet lag, fatigue and adapting to the new place, but a little effort will go a long way. Be sure not to be overconfident either, that can be of more harm than help.

DRESS CODES

The dress codes in France are not too different from those ofthe US, meaning that they can be casual, but they are a little more formal. For the first few days, dress formally but after that, play it by ear.

Custom made suits, leather shoes, handbags and wallets, all relative to India, are very expensive in France. Arrange for these before you leave.

Clothing

Clothing is an important part of first impressions and how were act to someone is largely based on our initial response to the person's appearance and first impressions count. Note the following:

• The French will perceive the way you dress as a reflection of your social status and relative success.
• Generally, dress tends to be on the formal side for both men and women, whether in business or social situations. Do your best to make clothing choices that are tasteful and stylish.
• Wear only conservative clothing of the highest quality.
• Men should wear dark suits, particularly during the winter and when visiting the north.
• You'll notice that men's suits made in France are cut differently.
• Women are advised to dress simply and with elegance. Accessorizing, which adds flair to even very simple outfits, is also widely practiced here.
• When you receive an invitation stating "informal" dress, don't assume you'll be welcome arriving in a T-shirt and sweat pants. For a social gathering, informal more often than not means tastefully coordinated clothes, sometimes including a jacket and tie for men.
• An invitation stating "formal" dress usually means formal evening wear.
• On the street, jeans and sneakers can be acceptable leisure wear, although this kind of clothing is often reserved for the gym or the beach.
• The seasons vary, so you will have to dress accordingly. Summers can be hot and humid, and winters can be long, damp, and very cold. There is minimal snow, however, except in the mountain regions to the east. Typically, spring and fall are mild and pleasant.
• As a foreigner, you should dress more conservatively until you are sure what degree of formality is expected.
• Casual clothing (like jeans and T-shirts) is acceptable in some companies, but make sure before you turn up for work dressed like that.
• Jeans are good for casual wear, but shorts should be avoided.

SOCIAL PRACTICES

You will need to interact with colleagues in a social environment at one time or another, either at parties or business dinners in restaurants. This section contains tips on how to handle these occasions.

PARTIES

Parties and business entertaining usually occurs after business hours. You will be entertained often, sometimes on short notice. Take advantage of any invitations to social events. Establishing a successful business relationship hinges on establishing a social relationship as well.

Things to remember:

• When invited to a party, or on a social visit, it is customary to take a small gift.
• When you're invited, confirm your acceptance, and get there on time. Don't be the last one to leave.
• If you want to take a friend with you, ask your host in advance.
• If you smoke, it is a good idea to ask first.

At a cocktail party, be aware of the following:

• Cocktails are precursors to dinner and such parties are usually held around 7 pm. This might be a time when you are tired and hungry and so may not be the best time to drink. It might be a good idea to drink a glass of cold milk before you go, and if you want to be careful, just drink club soda.
• Try and meet a lot of people at the cocktail party by talking to them, finding common social and professional interests.
• Hold your glass in your left hand while drinking so you can use your right hand to shake hands.

Business meals are popular in France, although the concept ofthe breakfast meeting is gaining acceptance. Most entertaining isdone in public establishments, such as restaurants or nightclubs. Traditionally, dinners were considered social occasions - if business was discussed at all, it was at the end of the meal. While this is changing, it is safest to allow your French counterpart to bring up business first.

DINING OUT

Food and drink play an important part in French life and the choice ranges from tiny country inns to grand gastronomic restaurants. Prices are not controlled but should be clearly displayed outside the restaurant. Most restaurants usually have "Table d'Hôte" (or "Menu fixe") and "Ala carte". Service is usually included in the price as are bread and ordinary water.

• Breakfast is served from 7 to 9am and is usually the continental type with coffee, tea or chocolate drink served with croissants, bread, butter and jam.
• Lunch is served between 12 noon and 2.30pm and is the main meal of the day, often preceded by an apéritif, accompanied by wine and mineral water and followed by a fairly strong coffee, sometimes also an alcohol (Cognac or Calvados)
• Dinner is served between 7.30 and 9pm. Restaurants in the resorts are generally fuller than at midday.
• Supper : Many restaurants in metropoles serve meals late in the evening for post-theater or cinema diners.

The French usually eat a light breakfast (le petitdé jeuner) consisting of coffee, croissants, pastries (brioches), and maybe some bread and jam (pain et confiture), and unless you stay at an international chain hotel that's what you'll eat, too. Lunch (le déjeuner) is a larger meal, taken at a leisurely pace - hence the two-hour lunch breaks. Dinner (le dîner) does not begin until at least 7:30 or 8pm and is the main repast of the day.

The French recognize several classes of dining and drinking establishments. First, there are restaurants, which are usually the most formal and expensive option. A bit less formal, and with less complicated cuisine are brasseries, which usually specializein grilled meats, and bistros, which are small restaurants thatserve "home cooking" or hearty regional French dishes (remember that French comfort food is very good indeed). While neither of the two latter options is especially cheap, they are not as expensive as haute cuisine in a famous restaurant, yet often offer a great dining experience.

Almost everywhere in France you can find small ethnic restaurants, pizzerias, and fast-food joints. Somewhere between an eating establishment and a bar is the traditional French café, where you can often get a croissant for breakfast and something simple but satisfying for lunch. The great beauty of a café is that you can park at a table and sit for hours while you nurse a beer or coffee.

As for drinks, the French drink wine with most meals, and often by itself. As a visitor you are expected to behave peculiarly, but to order a Pepsi with a fine meal is considered pretty insulting. If you don't want wine (du vin) or beer (une bière), ask for mineral water, either sparkling (eaugazeuse) or not (eau plate). Espresso coffee is very popular; ask for a café crème if you want a shot of milk in it.

Dining customs as well as kinds of foods differ between countries. In India we are used to eating food without much use of cutlery, unlike in the West. At a formal or semi-formaldinner, remember the following:

• Place your napkin on your lap when seated at the dining table. If you need to leave the table at any point, place your napkin on the table to your left.
• Keep your free hand in your lap or rest your wrist of the edge of the table.
• Do not gesture with your knife, fork or spoon in your hand. If you are not using any cutlery, put it down.
• About France cutlery, always start from the outside and work your way course by course towards the center.

There may not be many opportunities for formal dinners, but it would be a good idea to be prepared for such occasions. Your confidence at the dinner table reflect your personality and sociability. Dinners are great occasions to get to know people because it is a relaxed atmosphere. Use these opportunities to get to know people better.

Note: When you go to a restaurant with friends or colleagues, remember that you're expected to split the bill.

TIPPING

In restaurants and cafes, the "tip" is included inthe bill. For the taxi driver or the hair-dresser tip at your discretion, up to around 10-15%.

DRINKS

Depending on which part of France you live in, you must be 18 or 19 years old to buy or drink alcohol in any form.

Only licensed stores may sell alcoholic drinks. In most provinces, restaurants and bars sell alcohol to customers only. In addition, most provinces do not allow people to bring alcohol to bars or restaurants, or to drink in public parks or in cars.When you are driving, alcohol must be kept in the trunk of your car.

It is illegal to drive if you have been drinking alcohol. Two servings of any alcoholic drink within two hours will probably make you legally unable to drive. Penalties are severe for drinking and driving.

SMOKING

Smoking is prohibited by law in most public places in France. If you need to smoke, remember the following:

• Find out your company's policy on smoking. Observe other smokers, or ask where you are allowed to smoke. Most people step outside to smoke.
• Never smoke in an area designated as "No Smoking". Rules are very strict. Restaurants and many public places usually have smoking zones.
• You should ensure you have an ashtray with you and that you never litter the floor with empty wrappers and used matches or cigarette stubs.
• If you are being entertained by a colleague or you are visiting him, never light up without asking first.

HYGIENE

Hygiene is an important but personal issue, and it is assumed that you are able to look after that. Some tips to keep in mind:

• Use deodorants even if you bathe daily.
• Avoid hair oil. If essential use non-oily creams.
• Avoid use of oil on the body, even in cold weather.
• Use mouth-fresheners (mints) after meals (especially after Indian food). If this is not done it becomes very noticeable at after-lunch meetings and is extremely unpleasant.