Corporate Culture, Thailand VS France.

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Thailand VS France

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It is known that the continent Asia is developing really fast, Thailand is obviously following the same path, they are called to be the « country of smile », they are kind, always wanting to help each other. We wanted to compare with our country, France, to see where we are the same and where we are different, to understand how business would work between our country and culture.

CAGES ANALISIS

The Body language

The French are very straddling on the body language. During a meeting for example the position is important when seated should not have legs apart, sit up straight with legs crossed at knee or knees together. Feet should never placed on tables or chairs. Ad more, the use of toothpicks, nail clippers, combs and are not used in public and best never to keep your hands in your pockets. They are disrespectful signs. Also, do not yawn or scratch in public. Sneeze or blow your nose as quietly as possible using a handkerchief or tissue. If possible, leave the room.

To finish, do not slap your open palm over a closed fist (this is considered a vulgar gesture). The "okay" sign, made with index finger and thumb, means "zero."

The French use the "thumbs up" sign to say "okay."

There are some taboos in Thai culture, such as touching someone of the opposite sex. It does not show affection in public. However, unlike some countries in Asia it is widespread in Thailand that same-sex greet by touching. The head is sacred in Thailand and must be respected; it must under no circumstances touch or deposing something on it. The feet are considered unclean and symbolically (as well as physically) the lower body. As in France, it is considered disrespectful to put their hands in their pockets while talking to someone. If too stirred our hands during a conversation with a Thai this can be perceived as anger or nervousness. Never point with your hand and never, ever with a single finger. Don’t cross your legs either in the presence of a monk or a person aged

Dining and Entertainment

Always practice to start with an aperitif appropriated (Champagne, Kir…) alcohol and finishes the meal with liqueurs. Business dinners are generally the restaurant, the French do not like to talk business during meals, it is a privileged interview to develop social relationships and thus enjoy good food and good wine.

If there is a guest: A female guest of honor is seated to the right of the host. A male guest of honor is seated to the left of the hostess. Start eating dislikes it before the hotel starts. Also on the table different settings, such as the knife to fish or salad fork...

Keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal and not in your lap. However, take care to keep your elbows off the table. There are other details, which French have for customs to make such as to cut the cheese in vertical or never to cut some bread by means of hands for example. Not smoking during the meal. It should taste all the dishes that will be served during the meal.

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Thai food is eaten with a fork and a tablespoon rather than with chopsticks. The spoon is held in the right hand and the bottom of the fork pushes the food into the spoon. All Western hotels serve Western and continental cuisine for all meals. Avoid drinking tap water or eat salads that haven't been washed in purified water and always peel fruits before eating. Thai dishes are always spiced. Rice is eaten with almost every meal. Leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating, to show you are full. The host always pays the bill and it is not correct to propose to divide.

Cultural dimensions

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When analyzing cultural dimension between two countries, the Hofstede and Tromenaars way of analyze are really accurate and useful. Here we have a histogram that shows, with 6 cultural characteristics, the difference between France and Thailand.

         We are going to compare the two countries point by point:

The Power distance:

        The definition of the Power Distance: « An index developed by Dutch sociologist Geert Hofstede that measures the distribution of power and wealth between people in a nation, business or culture. The power-distance index seeks to demonstrate the extent to which subordinates or ordinary citizens submit to authority. The power-distance index figure is lower in countries or organizations in which authority figures work closely with those not in authority, and is higher in countries or organizations with a more authoritarian hierarchy. » From www. incestopedia.com

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