Geert Hofstede Analysis:

Germany
The Geert Hofstede analysis for Germany shows their emphasis on individualism, masculinity, and
uncertainty avoidance. Power distance and long-term orientation are both ranked considerably lower
than the others. This illustrates Germanys belief in equality and opportunity for each citizen, as well as
its ability to change and adapt rapidly.
Italy
The Hofstede Analysis for Italy is very similar to Germanys Analysis. Great emphasis is placed on
individualism, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance, while power distance is ranked considerately
lower than the others. Italys lower power distance score shows that Italy is working to de-emphasize
the differences between its citizens power and wealth.
Japan
The Geert Hofstede analysis for Japan is dramatically different from other Asian Countries such as Hong
Kong, Korea or China. In Japan Masculinity is the highest characteristic. The lowest ranking factor is
Individualism, which coincides with their high ranking in Uncertainty Avoidance. Japan is a more
collectivist culture that avoids risks and shows little value for personal freedom.
France
The Geert Hofstede analysis for France illustrates their emphasis on uncertainty avoidance. The high
uncertaintly avoidance ranking indicates Frances concerns for rules, regulations, and issues with career
security. In addition to uncertainty avoidance, both individualism and power distance are also ranked fairly
high, with masculinity ranking the lowest.
India
The Geert Hofstede analysis for India shows a large power distance society and all other measures are
relatively moderate. This would be indicative of the fact that India is in the midst of change. The traditional
caste systems has been outlawed, however the large power distance score indicates that the attitudes still
remain.
India has Power Distance (PDI) as the highest Hofstede Dimension for the culture, with a ranking of 77
compared to a world average of 56.5. This Power Distance score for India indicates a high level of inequality
of power and wealth within the society. This condition is not necessarily subverted upon the population, but
rather accepted by the population as a cultural norm.
India's Long Term Orientation (LTO) Dimension rank is 61, with the world average at 48. A higher LTO
score can be indicative of a culture that is perseverant and parsimonious.
India has Masculinity as the third highest ranking Hofstede Dimension at 56, with the world average just
slightly lower at 51. The higher the country ranks in this Dimension, the greater the gap between values of
men and women. It may also generate a more competitive and assertive female population, although still less
than the male population.
India's lowest ranking Dimension is Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) at 40, compared to the world average of
65. On the lower end of this ranking, the culture may be more open to unstructured ideas and situations. The
population may have fewer rules and regulations with which to attempt control of every unknown and
unexpected event or situation, as is the case in high Uncertainty Avoidance countries.
India is predominantly Hindu, with 81% of the population practicing that religion. Next is Muslim at 12%,
Christian at 2%, and all others within the last 5% of the society.
It has been found that in most cultures, their is a correlation between a country's religion and the Hofstede
Dimension rankings it has. There is only one country with over 50% of its population practicing the Hindu
religion India.

The Hofstede Dimension that correlates most with the Hindu religion is Power Distance (PDI), the same as
Atheists in China and Muslims. All three have a high level of Power Distance as the highest correlating
cultural Dimension with their religions. (See accompanying article)
France
Languages in France
French, the official language, is the first language of 88% of the population. Most of those who speak
minority languages also speak French, as the minority languages are given no legal recognition. 3% of the
population speak German dialects, predominantly in the eastern provinces of Alsace-Lorraine and Moselle.
Flemish is spoken by around 90,000 people in the northeast, which is 0.2% of the French population. Around
1m people near the Italian border, roughly 1.7% of the population, speaks Italian.
Basque is spoken by 0.1% and mainly along the French-Spanish border.
Catalan dialects are spoken in the French Pyrenees by around 260,000 people or 0.4% of the French
population.
The Celtic language, Breton, is spoken by 1.2% and mainly in the north west of France. These three
languages have no official status within France.
In the South of France, over 7m speak Occitan dialects, representing 12% of the population of France, but
these dialects have no official status. Nor too does Corsu, the dialect of the island of Corsica that is closely
related
to
Tuscan
and
is
spoken
by
0.3%.
Arabic, the third largest minority language, is spoken by around 1.7% of the population throughout the
country. Other immigrant languages from the former French colonies include Kabyle and Antillean Creole.
French Society & Culture
Cuisine
. Food is one of the great passions of the French people.
. French cooking is highly refined and involves careful preparation, attention to detail, and the use of fresh
ingredients.
. It varies by region and is heavily influenced by what is grown locally.
French Family Values
. The family is the social adhesive of the country and each member has certain duties and responsibilities.
. The extended family provides both emotional and financial support.
. Despite their reputation as romantics, the French have a practical approach towards marriage.
. Families have few children, but parents take their role as guardians and providers very seriously.
Relationships - Public vs. Private
. The French are private people and have different rules of behaviour for people within their social circle and
those who are not.
. Although the French are generally polite in all dealings, it is only with their close friends and family that
they are free to be themselves.
. Friendship brings with it a set of roles and responsibilities, including being available should you be needed.
Friendship involves frequent, if not daily, contact.
Etiquette & Customs in France
Meeting Etiquette
. The handshake is a common form of greeting.
. Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right
cheek.
. First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone's first name.

. You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title
Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving.
. If you live in an apartment building, it is polite to greet your neighbours with the same appellation.
Gift Giving Etiquette
. Flowers should be given in odd numbers but
not 13, which is considered unlucky.
. Some older French retain old-style
prohibitions against receiving certain flowers:
White lilies or chrysanthemums as they are
used at funerals; red carnations as they
symbolize bad will; any white flowers as they
are used at weddings.
. Prohibitions about flowers are not generally
followed by the young. When in doubt, it is
always best to err on the side of conservatism.
. If you give wine, make sure it is of the highest quality you can afford. The French appreciate their wines.
. Gifts are usually opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
If you are invited to a French house for dinner:
. Arrive on time. Under no circumstances should you arrive more than 10 minutes later than invited without
telephoning to explain you have been detained.
. The further south you go in the country, the more flexible time is.
. If invited to a large dinner party, especially in Paris, send flowers the morning of the occasion so that they
may be displayed that evening.
. Dress well. The French are fashion conscious and their version of casual is not as relaxed as in many
western countries.
Table manners:
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. If there is a seating plan, you may be directed to a particular seat.
. Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'bon appetit'.
. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife.
. Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible and not in your lap.
. Finish everything on your plate.
. Do not cut salad with a knife and fork. Fold the lettuce on to your fork.
. Peel and slice fruit before eating it.
. Leave your wineglass nearly full if you do not want more.
Relationships & Communication
French business behaviour emphasizes courtesy and a degree of formality.
. Mutual trust and respect is required to get things done.
. Trust is earned through proper behaviour.
. Creating a wide network of close personal business alliances is very important.
. If you do not speak French, an apology for not knowing their language may aid in developing a relationship.
. It is always a good idea to learn a few key phrases, since it demonstrates an interest in a long-term
relationship.

. The way a French person communicates is often predicated by their social status, education level, and
which part of the country they were raised.
. In business, the French often appear extremely direct because they are not afraid of asking probing
questions.
. Written communication is formal. Secretaries often schedule meetings and may be used to relay information
from your French business colleagues.
Business Meetings Etiquette
. Appointments are necessary and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance.
. Appointments may be made in writing or by telephone and, depending upon the level of the person you are
meeting, are often handled by the secretary.
. Do not try to schedule meetings during July or August, as this is a common vacation period.
. If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation.
. Meetings are to discuss issues, not to make decisions.
. Avoid exaggerated claims, as the French do not appreciate hyperbole.
Business Negotiation
. French business emphasizes courtesy and a fair degree of formality.
. Wait to be told where to sit.
. Maintain direct eye contact while speaking.
. Business is conducted slowly. You will have to be patient and not appear ruffled by the strict adherence to
protocol.
. Avoid confrontational behaviour or high-pressure tactics. It can be counterproductive.
. The French will carefully analyze every detail of a proposal, regardless of how minute.
. Business is hierarchical. Decisions are generally made at the top of the company.
. The French are often impressed with good debating skills that demonstrate an intellectual grasp of the
situation and all the ramifications.
. Never attempt to be overly friendly. The French generally compartmentalize their business and personal
lives.
. Discussions may be heated and intense.
. High-pressure sales tactics should be avoided. The French are more receptive to a low-key, logical
presentation that explains the advantages of a proposal in full.
. When an agreement is reached, the French may insist it be formalized in an extremely comprehensive,
precisely worded contract.
Dress Etiquette
. Business dress is understated and stylish.
. Men should wear dark-coloured, conservative business suits for the initial meeting. How you dress later is
largely dependent upon the personality of the company with which you are conducting business.
. Women should wear either business suits or elegant dresses in soft colours.
. The French like the finer things in life, so wear good quality accessories.
Business Cards
. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions without formal ritual.
. Have the other side of your business card translated into French. Although not a business necessity, it
demonstrates an attention to detail that will be appreciated.
. Include any advanced academic degrees on your business card.
. French business cards are often a bit larger than in many other countries.
India
Languages in India

The different states of India have different official languages, some of them not recognized by the central
government. Some states have more then one official language. Bihar in east India has three official
languages - Hindi, Urdu and Bengali - which are all recognized by the central government. But Sikkim, also
in east India, has four official languages of which only Nepali is recognized by the central government.
Besides the languages officially recognized by central or state governments, there are other languages which
don't have this recognition and their speakers are running political struggles to get this recognition. Central
government decided that Hindi was to be the official language of India and therefore it also has the status of
official language in the states.
Why not learn some useful Hindi phrases?
Indian Society & Culture
Hierarchy
. The influences of Hinduism and the tradition of the caste system have created a culture that
emphasizes established hierarchical relationships.
. Indians are always conscious of social order and their status relative to other people, be they family, friends,
or strangers.
. All relationships involve hierarchies. In schools, teachers are called gurus and are viewed as the source of
all knowledge. The patriarch, usually the father, is considered the leader of the family. The boss is seen as the
source of ultimate responsibility in business. Every relationship has a clear- cut hierarchy that must be
observed for the social order to be maintained.
The Role of the Family
. People typically define themselves by the groups to which they belong rather than by their status as
individuals. Someone is deemed to be affiliated to a specific state, region, city, family, career path, religion,
etc.
. This group orientation stems from the close personal ties Indians maintain with their family, including the
extended family.
. The extended family creates a myriad of interrelationships, rules, and structures. Along with these mutual
obligations comes a deep-rooted trust among relatives.
Just Can't Say No
. Indians do not like to express 'no,' be it verbally or non- verbally.
. Rather than disappoint you, for example, by saying something isn't available, Indians will offer you the
response that they think you want to hear.
. This behaviour should not be considered dishonest. An Indian would be considered terribly rude if he did
not attempt to give a person what had been asked.
. Since they do not like to give negative answers, Indians may give an affirmative answer but be deliberately
vague about any specific details. This will require you to look for non-verbal cues, such as a reluctance to
commit to an actual time for a meeting or an enthusiastic response.
Meeting Etiquette
. Religion, education and social class all influence greetings in India.
. This is a hierarchical culture, so greet the eldest or most senior person first.
. When leaving a group, each person must be bid farewell individually.
. Shaking hands is common, especially in the large cities among the more educated who are accustomed to
dealing with westerners.
. Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other women; however there are
seldom handshakes between men and women because of religious beliefs. If you are uncertain, wait for them
to extend their hand.

Naming Conventions
Indian names vary based upon religion, social class, and region of the country. The following are some basic
guidelines to understanding the naming conventions:
Hindus:
. In the north, many people have both a given name and a surname.
. In the south, surnames are less common and a person generally uses the initial of their father's name in front
of their own name.
. The man's formal name is their name "s/o" (son of) and the father's name. Women use "d/o" to refer to
themselves as the daughter of their father.
. At marriage, women drop their father's name and use their first name with their husband's first name as a
sort of surname.
Muslims:
. Many Muslims do not have surnames. Instead, men add the father's name to their own name with the
connector 'bin'. So, Abdullah bin Ahmed is Abdullah the son of Ahmad.
. Women use the connector 'binti'.
. The title Hajji (m) or Hajjah (f) before the name indicates the person has made their pilgrimage to Mecca.
Sikhs:
. Sikhs all use the name Singh. It is either adopted as a surname or as a connector name to the surname.
Gift Giving Etiquette
. Indians believe that giving gifts eases the transition into the next life.
. Gifts of cash are given to friends and members of the extended family to celebrate life events such as birth,
death and marriage.
. It is not the value of the gift, but the sincerity with which it is given, that is important to the recipient.
. If invited to an Indian's home for a meal, it is not necessary to bring a gift, although one will not be turned
down.
. Do not give frangipani or white flowers as they are used at funerals.
. Yellow, green and red are lucky colours, so try to use them to wrap gifts.
. A gift from a man should be said to come from both he and his wife/mother/sister or some other female
relative.
. Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather.
. Muslims should not be given gifts made of pigskin or alcoholic products.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
. Indians entertain in their homes, restaurants, private clubs, or other public venues, depending upon the
occasion and circumstances.
. Although Indians are not always punctual themselves, they expect foreigners to arrive close to the appointed
time.
. Take off your shoes before entering the house.
. Dress modestly and conservatively.
. Politely turn down the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks. You will be asked again and again. Saying no to
the first invitation is part of the protocol.
There are diverse dietary restrictions in India, and these may affect the foods that are served:
. Hindus do not eat beef and many are vegetarians.
. Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol.
. Sikhs do not eat beef.
. Lamb, chicken, and fish are the most commonly served main courses for non-vegetarian meals as they
avoid the meat restrictions of the religious groups.

Table manners are somewhat formal, but this formality is tempered by the religious beliefs of the various
groups.
. Much Indian food is eaten with the fingers.
. Wait to be told where to sit.
. If utensils are used, they are generally a tablespoon and a fork.
. Guests are often served in a particular order: the guest of honour is served first, followed by the men, and
the children are served last. Women typically serve the men and eat later.
. You may be asked to wash your hands before and after sitting down to a meal.
. Always use your right hand to eat, whether you are using utensils or your fingers.
. In some situations food may be put on your plate for you, while in other situations you may be allowed to
serve yourself from a communal bowl.
. Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you are satisfied. Finishing all your food means
that you are still hungry.

Relationships & Communication

. Indians prefer to do business with those they know.
. Relationships are built upon mutual trust and respect.
. In general, Indians prefer to have long-standing personal relationships prior to doing business.
. It may be a good idea to go through a third party introduction. This gives you immediate credibility.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. If you will be travelling to India from abroad, it is advisable to make appointments by letter, at least one
month and preferably two months in advance.
. It is a good idea to confirm your appointment as they do get cancelled at short notice.
. The best time for a meeting is late morning or early afternoon. Reconfirm your meeting the week before and
call again that morning, since it is common for meetings to be cancelled at the last minute.
. Keep your schedule flexible so that it can be adjusted for last minute rescheduling of meetings.
. You should arrive at meetings on time since Indians are impressed with punctuality.
. Meetings will start with a great deal of getting-to- know-you talk. In fact, it is quite possible that no
business will be discussed at the first meeting.
. Always send a detailed agenda in advance. Send back-up materials and charts and other data as well. This
allows everyone to review and become comfortable with the material prior to the meeting.
. Follow up a meeting with an overview of what was discussed and the next steps.
Business Negotiating
. Indians are non-confrontational. It is rare for them to overtly disagree, although this is beginning to change
in the managerial ranks.
. Decisions are reached by the person with the most authority.
. Decision making is a slow process.
. If you lose your temper you lose face and prove you are unworthy of respect and trust.
. Delays are to be expected, especially when dealing with the government.
. Most Indians expect concessions in both price and terms. It is acceptable to expect concessions in return for
those you grant.
. Never appear overly legalistic during negotiations. In general, Indians do not trust the legal system and
someone's word is sufficient to reach an agreement.

. Do not disagree publicly with members of your negotiating team.

. Successful negotiations are often celebrated by a meal.
Dress Etiquette
. Business attire is conservative.
. Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits.
. Women should dress conservatively in suits or dresses.
. The weather often determines clothing. In the hotter parts of the country, dress is less formal, although
dressing as suggested above for the first meeting will indicate respect.
Titles
. Indians revere titles such as Professor, Doctor and Engineer.
. Status is determined by age, university degree, caste and profession.
. If someone does not have a professional title, use the honorific title "Sir" or "Madam".
. Titles are used with the person's name or the surname, depending upon the person's name. (See Social
Etiquette for more information on Indian naming conventions.)
. Wait to be invited before using someone's first name without the title.
Business Cards
. Business cards are exchanged after the initial handshake and greeting.
. If you have a university degree or any honour, put it on your business card.
. Use the right hand to give and receive business cards.
. Business cards need not be translated into Hindi.
. Always present your business card so the recipient may read the card as it is handed to them.