Intercultural Management (HTM3242) FRANCE CULTURAL DIMENSION

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Table of Content
General Introduction General Perception Cultural Dimension based on:- Paris (Eiffel tower including Trocadero) - Carcassonne, Toulouse - Place Du Capitol, Toulouse i) Power Distance ii) Individualism vs Collectivism iii) Masculine vs Feminine iv) Uncertainty Avoidance v) Virtue: Long term vs Short term Orientation

General Introduction
In this particular assignment, we are using Hofstede Cultural dimension framework to analyze, understanding and comparing the difference of the culture in terms of dimension when we are conducting the observation on sites. Hofstede framework has been recognized worldwide for its effectiveness on understanding the possible characteristic of the leadership profile based on the questionnaires as well as understanding the different type of cultures that has been categorized by high scores and low sores in its data scores. The data scores is indeed important for us to look at as it shown the country that scores the highest have the possible index that is stated in the Hofstede and for the low scores is vice versa. We can take a look at the dimension scores among the countries in the next slides.

Findings From Internet

Findings From Internet

Findings From Internet

Findings From Internet

Findings From Internet

General Perception
After doing research on the French culture via internet, upon arrival in France, we perceived that the city has all the similar society behavior because it is our first time visiting here. Firstly and the common one was punctuality, it makes them seem more demanding. However, it may depends on the individual itself on how long they take to get ready especially women as appearance is importance to them in doing business.

Secondly, French is the only language that is widely spoken and we have to learn and make an effort to speak their language to converse with them. Thirdly, Parisians are very confident in their sense of fashion as they walk very confidently with it. It is also assumed that most of the Parisians are arrogant and selfish as well. Last but not least, French culture is all about food and fine taste thus, nice food can be search and found everywhere.

Power Distance (PD)

Definition: Distribution if power and wealth between people in a nation, business/culture, seeks to demonstrate the extent to which subordinates/ordinary citizens submit to authenticity

Eiffel Tower & Trocadero (PD)

Observation: Power distance is relatively high, because the gap between the wealthy and the poor (beggar) is quite large and can be seen clearly. Its also a famous tourist attraction where a lot of visitors come daily and the poor come purposely to this attraction to get money. This demonstrates the obvious gap between the locals in terms of power distance.

Carcassonne (PD)
Observation: Power distance here is relatively significant and there is no relation found between supervisors and workers. It seems to be that in this small town, people are closely knitted and quite friendly among each other that power distance is not needed in this place.

Place du Capitole (PD)

Observation: In this attraction site situated in Toulouse an observation was carried out in a French restaurant. It was analyzed that the power distance was relatively low considering the very fact that there were no obvious superior staff which manage the restaurant other than the waiters and waitresses. As when comparing both cities of Paris and Toulouse restaurants, it was observed that the power distance was higher. We perceive this occurrence is because Paris is a more popular city compared to Toulouse.

Conclusion - Power Distance

It is observed that the rating if power distance in France is relatively lower when comparing popular cities and less popular cities for example Toulouse and Paris. It does seem acceptable for the power distance to be higher in Paris because it is the most visited city and locals might want to keep up with the standard or level of service for example fine dining in restaurants which is why there is higher power distance shown.

Individualism vs Collectivist (IDV)

Definition : This focuses more on the society reinforces whether its more toward individual or collective, achievement and interpersonal relationship. A high Individualism score is more likely a society that think about themselves or the rewards first rather than family or friendships. While a low Individualism score means a society is more to a Collectivist whereby they are more naturally close, bonding type and love to ties with an individual. They always emphasized on the results that could impact the surrounding and always think the society as family where everyone has a responsibility to give.

Eiffel Tower (IDV)

Observation : Most of the people in Paris travel alone. The number of people travel in group usually less than 5 (not including family members). We noticed that some of the society do whatever they like without bothering other peoples judgement.
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Eg. Parisians walked around Eiffel Tower drinking wine from wine bottles and talking photos at the area. Some Parisians embraced and kissed around the area.

Some stores at the sites will show their real and true emotions whenever the customer bargaining and also cancel their wish to buy the items. There are a group of family members that are bringing their children around, and the children plays with other children in the area and one of the children fell down. The family did not bother the other child that fell down. Some of the society actually care about their family members, and bring the elder to the site visit as well to view the Eiffel tower from Trocadero.

Carcassonne (IDV)
Observation : On the site, we had observed that majority of society that visit the castle are elderly people. Some come with a family and some come with group of friends around the same age. Since Carcassone has been developed and there are many things to offer the tourist such as the views, scenery, history, souvenirs and local product, a lot of local people visit it. We managed to start conversation with the tourist and the tourist are from Canada, French speaking country. They travelled far with family just to have their bonding time together in Toulouse. The society that actually came here really spend time together. As mentioned previously, most of it are families and elderly couple. They walk around with their pets and do their own thing such as drinking coffee and enjoy the view and fresh air at the castle.

Place Du Capitole (IDV)

Even the sites are smaller city compare to Paris. The behavior is slightly different in Toulouse Centre and Carcassonne. People here are slightly towards to the collectivist as they hang out more with their friends and family at the Capitole Square. Having meals and doing some activities around with others. For example, children's are playing with each other even though they do not know each other. In addition, we can see that people in Toulouse main center actually concern and look after the others around. Younger society such as teenagers and student hanging out together at the square and having a conversation happily. Moreover, the waiter here are more attentive and friendly compared to Paris area. They are very humble with smile.

Conclusion Individualism
It is observed that the individualism of French culture in these 3 places are slightly different. The individualism score could be different due to the tourist area sites. The individualism scores in Eiffel tower, Paris is high would probably due to the mass tourism impact and also due to the high crime. They tend to be more individualism than collectivist as they scared to get cheated and trust the wrong person.

While both Carcassonne and Toulouse Place Du Capitole are more towards Collectivist as they tend to show more concern of the surroundings. The way the waiter serves customers are more pleased than in Paris.
According to Hofstede (1983,pp.52), France has scored 72 in individualism dimension. Gorill JR. (2007) wrote in CIA World Fact book that relationship is an important part of French business culture. The French people will actually spend few minutes just the colleagues before discussing business.

Masculine vs Feminine (MAS)

Definition: A society that score high is called masculine when both gender are being firm, tough and focus in their way of lives. A society that score low is called feminine when both gender are gentle, more specific and care about their standard quality of life.

Eiffel Tower& Trocadero (MAS)

Observation: From the observation, this particular tourist site hired more women than men. We can see that the person that are doing the usherers, the person who press the lift, cashier and shop keepers are mostly women. The same job position for the men and they are doing the same thing as what the women are doing. In Eiffel tower has a lot more female and women worker compared to Trocadero.

Carcassonne (MAS)
Observation: As what we can observe here, we noticed that most of the shops owner are female and the way they run business are very smooth and filled with a friendly smile. We also see that they actually working very well with the men's. It can be proven that both genders are treated equally in this specific area.

Place Du Capitole (MAS)

Observation: From what we have observed at the square and the restaurant, the percentage of men and women working are almost the same. The same position is given to both genders. Thus, gender equality is a practiced here.

Conclusion Masculinity (MAS)

It is observed that the Masculinity of French culture in these 3 places are the same. Which is low score compared to other countries like Germany and US. The low score meant that both gender are treated equally in Paris, Toulouse center as well as Carcassonne. This could due to the fair encouragement where every women and men dont really compete with each other just to be successful. They are more towards a healthy lifestyle and a quality of life. Moreover, we can see that in most of the places in France they are more environmental friendly as they encourage reuse, reduce and recycle.

Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI)

Definition: To avoid unstructured or uncertainty situation and feeling of threatened by ambiguity. To avoid or minimize uncertainty situation, strict laws and rules, or institutions and beliefs will be implement by the country or society. Source: http://great-hofstede.com/france.html & Pepicazra (2009)

Eiffel Tower & Trocadero (UAI)

Observation : For this famous attraction, visitor is not allowed to bring luggage, pets, baby trolley, weapon, roller, food, glass bottle, cans, scissors, and substances of explosives to this destination. More than one signage of prohibited items has been situated under the Eiffel tower. Besides of signage, we have observed few soldiers walking around the Eiffel tower with gun on their hands to avoid and to control any uncertainty situation. There is also a security check point before the visitor purchase ticket to go up to the Eiffel tower.
For Trocadero, there is not much signage for the visitor however there is policeman with gun taking their duty.

Signage in Eiffel tower

Security in Eiffel tower and Trocadero

Carcassonne (UAI)
Observation: Based on the observation, before reaching Carcassonne castle there is not much rules and regulations to follow by the visitor, however there are few sign outside the entrance for the vehicle to follow, example no entry sign and no right turn. Right at the entrance for Carcassonne castle, sign of do not bring food, baby trolley, pets, and do not smoke is stated under the entrance fees information banner.

Place Du Capitole (UAI)

Observation: Based on the groups observations, Capitole is a place that sligtly different with Eiffel tower and Carcassone where no policeman or soldier on duty, not much do and dont signage. There is only one spotted at the entrance of the city hall (Capitolium) where pet, food and beverage are not allowed to bring in during the visit.

Conclusion Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI)

In conclusion, for what have mentioned by Yates (2005) and Essounga (n.d.), France indeed score a high score for uncertainty avoidance and it do match with what we have observed in Paris Eiffel tower, and Toulouse Carcassonne and Capitole. Not only for signage or soldier or policeman, the uncertainty avoidance also applied to the vehicle on the destinations that we choose to observed too. Vehicle no matter bus, car or bicycle will have to stop for the people to cross the road whenever the light for the people to cross turn green or whenever there is a crossing line for the public on the road.

Long Term Orientation (LTO)

Definition: Degree to which a collectivity encourages and rewards future-oriented behaviors such as planning and delaying gratification (House et al, 2004, p. 282)

Eiffel Tower & Trocadero (LTO)

Observation: There is a construction around the Eiffel tower, example the park in front of Eiffel tower, and for the Eiffel tower itself. Both construction is planned to improve the service of Eiffel tower as in the middle of Eiffel tower, the city is planning to build a stop that seems like a restaurant in the middle. We think that the constructions having around Eiffel tower is a long term planning because having a construction is costly and time consuming. As for the shops around Eiffel tower it would be a short term planning as tourists interest and trend would change therefore we can also see that the shop itself is a easy removable kiosk.

Pictures shows construction in front of Eiffel tower and in the Eiffel tower itself.

Carcassonne (LTO)
Observation: Carcassone castle has been rebuilt or renovated for the preserve purpose. For such a large rebuild activity we can see that Carcassone castle is planned to stay for as long as possible. The activities of rebuilding and renovating shows us that it was a long term planning for the Carcassone castle to stay as it is a famous tourist attraction in Toulouse. Although the first intention for the man who rebuild it was not for tourism purpose however the man was still think of preserving the uniqueness of the castle. The activities of rebuilding and renovating took more than 20 years and from here we also see that it was obviously not a short term planning project in Toulouse. Yet, the shops that along the way to the castle was plan for short term purpose, because as a tourist destination shops, different types of shop will move in and out when the tourists trend or interest has change.

Place Du Capitole (LTO)

Observation: As mentioned by the tour guide, the city hall itself most of the pillar and gold plated frame for the paintings is fake due to high cost. However, for us it was also a good protection from thief because if the frame has no value, then it would not be stolen. It is related because for a long term purpose to preserve the paintings, the city consider that if it was a expensive frame or famous painting it would not able to keep protected for such a long time. Also the city itself has renovated the outside layer of the city hall to preserve their culture as now they are more in love with the bricks pattern compare to last time because now the bricks building represent Toulouse. If it was not a long term planning, the government would not have remove all the white plaster on the buildings to reveal the bricks as the out layer of the building. On the other hand, the city hall is a compulsory place for the locals to register their marry. Married that registered at other places will not be recognize by Toulouse. Of course the same at Capitole, the shops around will be a short term planning as more and more famous brand have been developed to match the tourists trend. Thus, the possibility of the shop move in and out from the area shows that there is a short term planning on this city.

Conclusion Virtue: Long Term Orientation (LTO)

In conclusion, there is an existence of both short and long term planning in Paris and Toulouse. As shown in the introduction, France is not listed in the top 23 countries. It means France might be in the middle of both short and long term planning. In addition our observations do support this statement.

General Conclusion

Source : http://geert-hofstede.com/france.html

References
http://geert-hofstede.com/france.html http://cyborlink.com/besite/france.html http://www.growing-global.com/detail.asp?ID=23