Midterm Exam PDF

**1. French Managers and Achievement:** French managers prioritize the group\'s success over individual achievement. They focus on the purpose and value of their efforts, rather than just monetary gains. Social status is critical in organizations, and the hierarchy often reflects the country\'s pol...

**1. French Managers and Achievement:** French managers prioritize the group\'s success over individual achievement. They focus on the purpose and value of their efforts, rather than just monetary gains. Social status is critical in organizations, and the hierarchy often reflects the country\'s political structure, where education and age play key roles. **2. Personalities in French Business:** Understanding the organization's structure, history, and leadership is essential when dealing with French businesses. Relationships are important, and flexibility in plans is expected. The French believe rules should adapt to circumstances, reflecting their cultural particularism. **3. Secrecy and Privacy:** French corporations maintain a culture of secrecy, preferring private agreements over public disclosures. This ethic of discretion even extends to avoiding patents to prevent scrutiny. Showing off success, especially financial, is frowned upon, as it may invite envy. **4. Intellectual Capacity Over Results:** French managers value intellectual capacity more than tangible results. Mental agility is respected, and intellectualism is seen as a professional calling. Meetings may involve intellectual exercises rather than focusing solely on measurable outcomes. **5. Private Deals:** French managers may suggest private, informal agreements rather than formalized ones. These should not be seen as untrustworthy but rather a cultural preference. Privacy can even enhance the sense of obligation in such deals. **6. Confrontation in Business:** French business interactions can feel confrontational, as the French often defend their organizational interests strongly. Delegations may outnumber yours, and the environment can seem combative. Staying calm and aligning interests is essential for successful negotiation. **7. Consensus Decision-Making:** The French prefer to reach decisions by consensus rather than voting. This process can be lengthy, involving discussions until a unified agreement is reached. Despite the consensus, the final decision often rests with the top leader, the \"patron.\" **8. French Business Lunches:** Business meals in France can last over two hours, with serious discussions often delayed until later in the meal. Lunch meetings are not just about business but are used to build rapport and understanding. The pace and style of these lunches reflect the French preference for gradual, thoughtful engagement.