Engels Samenvatting Portfolio

English Portfolio

Dwayne Klee

MCE-C2G

Evert Jan de Jonge

13-10-11

Original (1 until 6)

Background to business in France

It could be said that two particular elements play a greater role in approach to business in France than in any other industrialised economy (other than possibly Japan). These two essential ingredients are the role of the government and the importance of a certain type of education.

The French government has played a central and vital role in the shaping and direction of French companies ever since the end of the Second World War. Indeed the government, even in the late eighties, was actively fostering the development of a number of 'national champion' companies which would be large enough to face up to global competition. One of the interesting aspects of these interventionist policies is that they have been largely accepted by mainstream business, which has worked hand in hand with senior civil servants in the ministries.

This level of co-operation between the government and industry has been aided by the influence of the French education system, which pushes the brightest pupils through a system of elite schools known as the Grandes Ecoles. Graduates of the Grandes Ecoles tend to enter either large commercial organisations or the civil service and this educational brotherhood has created an affinity of thinking across the senior echelons of French business society. It has even been said that the best way to become a PDG (CEO) of a major French company is through a senior position in an important ministry.

French business structures

French companies tend towards rigid hierarchy and functionality within which system the PDG (CEO) holds great sway. The PDG determines in a singular way the future direction of the company. This vision is then disseminated down the line for implementation by more junior management. Senior management, therefore, tends towards the directive, rather than the collaborative, as might be found...