BELGIAN

CROSS CULTURAL MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION
Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830. It was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

DEMOGRAPHY
Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands Geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 00 Area: total: 30,528 sq km country comparison to the world and: 30,278 sq km water: 250 sq km Area - comparative: about the size of Maryland Land boundaries: total: 1,385 km border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km Coastline: 66.5 km

DEMOGRAPHY
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: geographic coordinates define outer limit continental shelf: median line with neighbors Climate: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy Terrain: flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast Elevation extremes: lowest point: North Sea 0 m highest point: Botrange 694 m Natural resources: construction materials, silica sand, carbonates

CULTURE
Fine Arts Folkfore Cuisine Sports

LANGUAGES
Belgium has three official languages, which are in order of native speaker population in Belgium: Dutch, French German

ECONOMY
This modern, open, and private-enterprisebased economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base.

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 0.7% industry: 21.6% services: 77.7% (2011 est.) Labor force: 5.071 million (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 2% industry: 25% services: 73% (2007 est.) Unemployment rate: 7.7% (2011 est.) Population below poverty line: 15.2% (2007 est.)

EXPORT AND IMPORT

Exports: $332 billion country comparison to the world: 17$282.3 billion Exports - commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, finished diamonds, metals and metal products, foodstuffs Exports - partners: Germany 19.1%, France 17%, Netherlands 12.2%, UK 7.2%, US 5.3%, Italy 4.7% Imports: $332.4 billion

EXPORT AND IMPORT

Imports - commodities: raw materials, machinery and equipment, chemicals, raw diamonds, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, transportation equipment, oil products Imports - partners: Netherlands 19.1%, Germany 16.4%, France 11.3%, UK 5.4%, US 5.3%, Ireland 5.3%, China 4.1% Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $26.81 billion

BELGIAN MANAGEMENT STYLE

The Belgian approach is characterized by a desire for compromise and the need to reach a workable, acceptable solution. This approach is necessary in a country so beset with factionalism and regionalism - if people were to be dogmatic and pedantic, nothing would ever get done.

BELGIAN MANAGEMENT STYLE

These 'gradualist' sentiments are mirrored in the Belgian approach to management. It is important that issues are discussed and aired and that decisions are arrived at through a slow process of working towards an accommodation. Going in to Belgium and assuming that changes can be imposed overnight and without consultation would be folly and lead to future difficulties.

BELGIAN MANAGEMENT STYLE

Thus, managers need to be seen to be inclusive, yet at the same time they must appear knowledgeable about their functional areas and also have clear views on direction and goals. The style is a complex mix of inclusiveness and management by direction.

COMMUNICATION STYLE IN BELGIUM

Communication styles are difficult to describe in Belgium due to the dual-language nature of the country. Flemings would tend to be direct in their speech, saying more or less what they mean in a matter of fact way. As in the Netherlands, arrogance or boastfulness should be avoided at all costs.

COMMUNICATION STYLE IN BELGIUM

It can take longer to move from the surname to the given name than in the Netherlands and this can make Flemings appear to be somewhat formal in approach to people from cultures where first names are the norm in business relationships.

COMMUNICATION STYLE IN BELGIUM

When in Belgium, it is probably safest to speak English even if you are fluent in French. By speaking in French you are instantly allying yourself to one particular faction. English is far more neutral and is widely spoken (especially in Brussels.) Humour is used in business but far less frequently than in countries such as the UK and Ireland. Humour would tend to be used at the beginning or end of meetings but rarely during the serious parts of proceedings.

Women Dress Code

Belgians tend to dress in the 'smart casual' mode as in many other European countries. Being conservative in nature, colours tend to be subdued with ties usually worn in the office environment. Women will also wear 'smart casual' business attire with trousers being viewed as acceptable in the commercial environment. In many 'new' industries, a more casual approach will be taken and jeans and T-shirts can be seen in some offices.

Women in Business
http://www.belgexpat.net/index.htm While women enjoy similar rights as men, most Belgian women are still struggling to attain positions of similar income and authority. However, visiting businesswomen should have few problems in the country as long as they act professionally in business and social situations.

Other Important Things to Know

Business lunches, which may take a long time, and also dinners are common. Business may or may not be discussed. Wait to see whether your counterparts bring it up. Social events do not require strict punctuality. While it is best to arrive at dinners close to the agreed time, being late to a party by 15 minutes, even more when meeting with Walloons, is perfectly acceptable.

 Gift giving in business sett ings is rare. It is best not to bring a gift to an initial meeting in order to avoid raising suspicions about your motives. The relationship between the Flemish and the Walloons is a sensitive topic. It may be best to avoid it in discussions.