Earlier this month, I spent a handful of days in Northern France exploring the history of the coasts of Normandy with other fellow Americans. I fell in love with the immense beauty of the countryside, indulged in the glorious pastries and superbly cooked dishes, and did my best to learn about the history of this nation’s rich cultural heritage in those few fleeting days.
So this week, I want to dive into the cultural tapestry of this fascinating country and guide you through the lens of Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory as we adventure to this week’s country of interest.
As always, I want to note that you must remember that when we use Hofstede’s ratings, they are generalizations. They should not be taken as an absolute representation of all individuals or aspects of French culture. Cultural values can vary among individuals and subcultures within a country. So, while Hofstede’s dimensions are a great jumping-off point for gaining knowledge about a specific country, they must not be viewed as absolute.
Power Distance:
“The extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally.” - Hofstede Insights
France has a relatively moderate score of 68 on this dimension. Such a score indicates that the French value a somewhat hierarchical society where some power distance is accepted but not extreme. Its society strikes a delicate balance between respecting authority and challenging it. It is not uncommon to hear about citizens striking. In fact, if you’ve read the news in the last couple of weeks, you will have read about the French citizens going on strike over the adjusted retirement age. Though hierarchies exist in some contexts, there is often an underlying desire to avoid excessive power distance. This rating usually means that a country’s citizens value the expertise and competence of leaders but also demand transparency and accountability.
For example, the French education system traditionally emphasizes respect for teachers and their authority, with students addressing them as “Monsieur” or “Madame” and using the formal “vous” form of address. This ingrained respect towards superiors bleeds over into the workplace as French workplaces often have hierarchical structures, with clear lines of authority and decision-making power concentrated at the top.
Based on France’s Power Distance rating, generally speaking, you can expect and prepare your CQ strategy according to the following:
Respect for authority figures, such as teachers, bosses, and government officials.
Hierarchical structures in organizations and businesses.
Formality and deference in addressing superiors or elders.
Individualism versus Collectivism:
“The degree of interdependence a society maintains among its members. It has to do with whether people’s self-image is defined in terms of “I” or “We”. “ - Hofstede Insights
France has a moderate score of 71 in this dimension. This rating indicates a balance between individualistic and collectivist tendencies. On the one hand, the French cherish personal freedoms and achievements. While individual accomplishments and independence are valued, there is also a sense of community and cooperation. In other words, French societies often demonstrate an intriguing blend of individualistic and collectivist tendencies.
On the other hand, a strong sense of national identity and collective responsibility pervades the culture. I believe the collectivist spirit stems from the country’s history as a central front of both world wars. The citizens across each generation suffered immensely and had to fight for their freedom, ingraining the need to bond together to fight for the greater good. So, it is no surprise that the French generally exhibit a collective spirit during times of crisis, rallying around common causes and societal well-being.
For example, while individual achievements and personal freedom are valued, French society also places importance on social welfare systems and worker protections through initiatives like labor unions and social security. Whenever the well-being of the greater community is threatened by external variables or internal leaders, you can expect retaliation from the population as they bond together to protect their values. In this, you can see their strong sense of national identity and collective pride in their country. These values are also displayed in its cultural symbols like the French flag, national anthem, and national holidays such as Bastille Day.
Based on France’s Individualist rating, generally speaking, you can expect and prepare your CQ strategy according to the following:
Emphasis on personal achievements and individual rights.
Existence of trade unions to protect workers’ rights.
Strong sense of national identity and pride in French culture.
Masculinity versus Femininity:
“The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (Masculine) or liking what you do (Feminine).” - Hofstede Insights
France scored 43 in this dimension, suggesting a relatively feminine society where citizens prioritize establishing a quality of life and caring for others. In French culture, one finds a harmonious integration of traditionally masculine and feminine values. While the French appreciates assertiveness, ambition, and individual success, they also revere artistic expression, cultural refinement, and quality of life. Some may say that French society has the ability to balance masculine and feminine attributes, contributing to a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape.
A prime example of their values can be seen in their welfare system known as securité sociale. The national system mandates a 35-hour working week, five weeks of holidays per year, and focuses on quality of life. A deeper study conducted by Hofstede Insights found a rather unique characteristic of French culture concerning this cultural dimension. Their research has led them to conclude that the French upper class scores more Feminine while the working class scores more on the Masculine side of the spectrum. They claim that this unique characteristic has not shown up in the research conducted on other countries.
Examples that reflect this finding can be seen in the following:
“Top managers earn on average less than one would expect given the high score on Power Distance. Married couples of high society could go public with a lover without negative consequences, at least certainly in the past. The scandal in the US about Clinton and Lewinsky has never been understood in France. In addition, “crime passionel”, i.e., crimes of passion, have always been sentenced very leniently in comparison to other murder trials” (Hofstede Insights).
Based on France’s Feminine rating, generally speaking, you can expect and prepare your CQ strategy according to the following:
Recognition of the importance of work-life balance, leisure, and enjoyment.
Valuing cultural refinements, such as art, literature, and fashion.
Appreciation for traditionally masculine traits like assertiveness, ambition, and competition is mainly seen in industries such as fashion, luxury, and business.
Uncertainty Avoidance:
“The extent to which the members of a culture feel threatened by ambiguous or unknown situations and have created beliefs and institutions that try to avoid these is reflected in the score on Uncertainty Avoidance.” - Hofstede Insights
France has a high score on this dimension, with a score of 86. This score indicates a preference for rules, regulations, and structured environments to avoid uncertainty and ambiguity. They do not like surprises. This preference for certainty is deeply ingrained in various aspects of French society. With that said, you can confidently say that French culture values tradition, stability, and established norms.
The French take pride in their traditions, maintaining a strong cultural identity that they believe provides stability and a sense of continuity. For example, French society values rules and regulations, as seen in the legal system, administrative procedures, and bureaucratic processes. It must be noted that because there are many rules and regulations, it does not necessarily mean they must be strictly adhered to. The French also value research and planning, obtaining all the information they can before making a strategic action plan.
Based on France’s Feminine rating, generally speaking, you can expect and prepare your CQ strategy according to the following:
Preference for clear rules, regulations, and procedures in various aspects of life.
Strong adherence to traditions and social norms.
Respect for authority and expertise to maintain order and stability.
Long-Term Versus Short Term Orientation:
“This dimension describes how every society has to maintain some links with its own past while dealing with the challenges of the present and future, and societies prioritize these two existential goals differently.” - Hofstede Insights
France scores relatively high in this dimension, with a score of 63. This means that the French tend to be more pragmatic. This comes with an inherited belief that truth depends significantly on the situation, context, and time. As a result, they can quickly adapt traditions to changing conditions. Pragmatic societies tend to have a strong subconscious tendency to save and invest. Thriftiness and perseverance in achieving results are seen as valuable traits in French society.
Though the French embrace modernity and progress, many also cherish their past. Despite their pragmatic tendencies, many of the French have a profound respect for their historical heritage. This can be seen in the attempts to preserve landmarks, customs, and traditions. France has a rich cultural heritage that is maintained and celebrated, including historic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. The French language, literature, and philosophy also continue to hold significant importance.
Indulgence versus Restraint:
“The extent to which people try to control their desires and impulses, based on the way they were raised.” - Hofstede Insights
France scores in the middle on this dimension, scoring 48. This suggests that they are a bit more restrained than one may perceive. When combined with a high Uncertainty Avoidance rating, this moderate score may mean that the French do not enjoy life and are not as relaxed as we tend to give them credit for being.
Despite this, they do display a rather indulgent culture from the outsider’s perspective. We (or maybe it is just me) tend to view French culture as synonymous with indulgence, particularly in gastronomy, wine, and art. For example, French cuisine and gastronomy are highly regarded globally, emphasizing quality ingredients, intricate cooking techniques, and the enjoyment of food and wine. And, who hasn’t heard of France’s many festivals and events, from the Cannes Film Festival and Tour de France to the various regional celebrations, where people come together to indulge in entertainment and cultural festivities?
Perhaps these qualities are more calculated and intricate behind the scenes. Perhaps there is a different motive behind the exquisite details of good food and events? Pressure to perform in a correct and calculated way? The need for precision? Other societal pressures that take the joy and enjoyment out of seemingly indulgent activities?
The Overall Picture:
France’s cultural dimensions offer a captivating insight into a society that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, individualism and collectivism, and indulgence and restraint. By appreciating and understanding these dimensions, we can navigate the intricate nuances of French culture, fostering meaningful connections and embracing the richness it has to offer.
While the examples given above provide a glimpse into the cultural values and practices specific to France, aligning with the dimensions, it’s important to remember that individual variations and regional differences within France exist. Like with all countries we will look at, these differences give the complexity of a nation’s culture so much beauty; they contribute to a diverse cultural landscape.
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