Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Although strikes seem frequent, they too have declined by
more than half in the past two decades.
The high level of unemployment has in recent years led
to anger and civil unrest. Yet, official efforts to reform the
current system in which it is difficult to fire employees
from their protected positions and to hire new people,
has also led to protests, sometimes violent. Everyone
knows that the system must change, but nobody wants
it to affect them.
BUSINESS ATMOSPHERE
French management remains traditional in its approach
to business, which means that new ideas are slow to take
hold. Hierarchical structures persist, and usually it is the
top manager or director who ultimately makes the business
decision, no matter with whom the initial meetings were
held. Decisions are arrived at slowly, as all ramifications are
considered and the French reluctance toward change has to
be overcome, if at all. Yet, younger people on their way up
the corporate structure—especially those who hold advanced
degrees—have a more international outlook, and it is they
who will change the face of French business procedures.
Some are already expressing frustration with today's 'top-
down' decision-making, although they understand that
changes will come only as generations of leaders change
or when France begins to slip in international markets.
But make no mistake: while they may be more casual and
open in their approach, and more willing to take on wider
challenges, they are no less determined in achieving their
business goals. And the general rules—the 'Do's and Don'ts'
listed below, will still apply.
NETWORKING
Given the rigid structures and formal approach of the
French business environment, it is important to cultivate
all opportunities for personal contact. The Anglophone
community in Paris is active in networking for people of
similar interests. See Resource Guide in Chapter 10 for a list
of helpful networking possibilities.
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