Spotlight: working in France versus UK or Ireland
Differences in hierarchy
Many
French companies are still characterised by an important level of hierarchy
(top-down). Management holds a high-level of decision making without involving
employees. We are still seeing the use of “vous” used in France by workers to direct
and top management. Management in the large companies are often issued from the
“Grandes Ecole’s “Ivy League type schools.
In
the UK and Ireland, the hierarchy level is less evident. Even though management still
make decisions, they tend to discuss prior with the employees. Management is also
more approachable, and you can address them by their first name.
Punctuality
Where the French are less likely to be punctual, it is important in the UK and Ireland to be on time, you even arrive earlier. However, in France arriving late is becoming less acceptable and tolerated.
Job or career change
Education
and job experience in France is more linear, people previously tended to stay
in the same careers all their life, whereas in the UK or in Ireland changing careers
is not penalised. On the contrary, this is often seen as a sign of adaptability
and polyvalence.
French HR and hiring managers do not like unexplained gaps in job history, be ready to explain them.
Individualism
France
is an individualist society. Competition on climbing up the career ladder is
very evident.
The
UK and Ireland are also individualists’ societies; however, self-promotion can
be seen as a sign of arrogance in both.
Photo
Pexels: Fauxels