Report for French expatriates in Russia: Cultural differences and recommendations to succeed in business there

Résumé du document

We are cross-cultural consultants and experts in Russia's business culture and we are going through this report to show how to successfully do business there. This report will facilitate the cultural integration of French expatriates in Russia and help them to succeed doing business there. Russia, officially "Russian Federation", is a state in Northern Eurasia. This largest country in the world is a Federal semi presidential republic when France is a Constitutional republic.

The oil resources maintain a strong growth and economic indicators are set fair in Russia. The Russian currency is the ruble. A French people in Russia will collide with cultural differences. There are three different types of expatriation: Short-term assignments, Commuter assignments and Long-term assignments. Expatriated workers will face challenges: they will spend an extended period of time living and working outside their native country.

Extraits

[...] Russian enjoy the fact that we are interested in speaking Russian, but also in their culture, history and traditions. Moreover, modest gifts, or French specialties are welcomed by the Russian partners, and it could be a means to reinforce links with a potential business partner Current practices in work relationships We need to be careful when we begin on the Russian market, especially in the choice of the intermediaries and business offers which could be formulated by Russian partners. Russian market involve to precede steps by steps and to conserve the mastery of our activity. [...]

[...] All the past reforms have contributed to stabilize the business market. But, like in every new potential market, fragility and some unexpected things are to prevent. Administrative procedures stay long and complex, even if they are trying to simplify them, and sometime, corruption is present. A jurist could be helpful to avoid a lot of troubles. In business, it is normal to suggest to be called by the first name, and not the family name. If the first contact is well done, we can continue the negotiations in France. [...]

[...] Preparing staff for expatriate assignments is important. We should therefore provide country, cultural training. French expatriate workers have to consider cultural shock. According to Ting Toomey, it is a transitional process in which an individual perceives threats to her or his well-being in a culturally new environment. Cultural shock is, first and foremost, an emotional phenomenon. The culture is the sum total of all learned beliefs, traditions, values, and behaviors which are shared by a group of people. It is the collective programming of the mind, the Society's personality The main body of our report will be the analysis of differences between France and Russia and explanation of cultural differences, then we will make implications and practical recommendations Part 1 : Review of differences between France and Russia A. [...]

[...] He will not be judged, he will be well see by the manager because he will think that he brings new ideas which could improve the firm. Dress code are quiet the same as in France. In Russia, when we work in a luxury firm for example, we have to be well dress, so as to be considered. For men, suits and ties; for women, ladies' tailor. The clothes are darker than in France, because Russian are less expressive than French. [...]

[...] Dress code: appearance in Russia When the expatriate will attend in a citizen's home, casual dress of slacks and nice shirt without a tie will be appropriate. In Business, Russian wears dark and well tailored suits along with good dress shoes. The wardrobe of a Business man demonstrates the personal's image as a Professional. Men often don't take off their jackets in negotiations. We can advice the expatriate not to stand with his hands in his pockets: it is considered rude. [...]