high context French
... (Figuring out the French) a 250 page book dedicated to whom the French are, how they do business, and consequently how to do business with them, is an example of cross cultural management in the media. Although it constantly compares the French with Americans it is intended to better the readers understanding of the French. Covering, as much as possible in a book, everything about the French, with specific regard to the management of cross cultural issues, there is too much information to attempt to explain and relate it all to theory. So instead, the French will be observed/examined against high context vs. low context theory, using examples from Au contraire! ... In doing so the reader is meant to be taken a step closer (however small) to the French business world, albeit being reminded of the limitations this theory and as a result this paper have to offer. Before we begin, it may seem as though French people are being generalised into simple categories; however the generalisations being made are to be taken as guidelines about general trends in French behaviour. In no way can these guidelines be used to calculate the act of a single French person, but moreover should be used predict and explain the probable actions of groups of French people. “As soon as one falls into the trap of assuming…” all French are ‘this or that’ “…potentially instructive generalizations become mindless stereotypes. ... It is only after a substantial relationship has been built, based on trust, that a French person will begin to confide in you, letting you past his ‘buffer zone’. ... A very similar attitude is shown in the French workplace. An example of this attitude is a French manager about to enter a deal with another. The French manager will want to establish a social trust, before deciding to pursue any business. ... This need for social trust, shown in both family and business life, can be explained by French people being high context.