Country Information: Belgium
●The Belgian Mindt
●Characteristics of Society
●Lifestyle & Aspirations
●The Esntials (10 Key Tips)
son of bitch●Working with the Belgians
●Making a Good Impression
●Business Etiquette
●Business Meeting Culture
●Motivating Others
●Effective Prentations
●Managing Relationships
The Belgian Mindt
Belgians are largely friendly and outgoing people who work hard and who have forged one of the most vigorous and successful economies in the world. They are relatively low-key and not given to strong emotions or nationalist bravado. While their cultural history is long and rich, their nationhood is relatively new. They were founding members of the European Union and are amongst its most enthusiastic supporters, yet they suffer tensions at home due to the divide between the Flemish and the Wallonian regions, which works against the forging of a strong national identity.
Belgians are conrvative and pragmatic. They prefer to avoid confrontation and are not dogmatic. The Dutch-speaking Flemish are known to be more egalitarian and relaxed while the French-speaking Walloons are more Latin in temperament and more conscious of class and rank.
to top Characteristics of Society
Belgium's name is derived from the Belgae - its early inhabitants who were probably Celts. They were fearsome enemies of the Romans but were conquered by Julius Caesar and were then ruled by Rome. Later, they were subject to the rule of many others - the Franks,
Burgundians, the Spanish, Austrians and the
French. In 1830, Belgium became an independent,
constitutional monarchy.
Belgium was occupied in World Wars I and II by the
Germans. Its more recent history has been
dominated by the ongoing tension between the
Dutch-speaking inhabitants of Flanders in the north
of the country and the French-speaking inhabitants
of Wallonia in the south. Constitutionaladdressbook
amendments have resulted in the country now being a federation comprising three regions - Flanders, Wallonia and the capitial region of Brusls. The linguistic and cultural divide is much in evidence in working life, education and politics.
While the Belgians are hard-working, well-educated and industrious, they also enjoy the good life an
d eating and drinking are favourite pastimes - justifiably as they produce some of the world's best food, chocolate and beer.
to top Lifestyle & Aspirations
Whatever the political machinations,Belgium is a highly prosperous country and Belgians are positive and outward-looking. They are committed Europeans and enjoy the benefits of having the EU headquartered in their country. Belgians enjoy the good life and are bon vivants. They have a lively cafe society and enjoy it to the full. Socialising, drinking and eating
out are beloved national past times, as is sport.
碰撞检测But Belgians are also conrvative and
pragmatic. While they enjoy all the fruits of their
hard work and economic success, they are
traditional and rious-minded too and have one
of the highest production rates in the world. A
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main aim of many Belgians is to own their own
home which has led to the local saying that
Belgians 'have a brick in their belly.' With one of
the highest population densities in Europe,
renovation of old homes is becoming increasingly popular and has led to the revival of some inner
areas of old cities.
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There are many opportunities for Belgians to indulge in their love of a good life: the country has some of the best food in Europe; it makes over 450 kinds of beer; it has a rich cultural history and fine muums and arts centres abound. Belgians are keen on the theatre, music and film and there are many outlets for the various forms of art.
Belgians have enviable standards of education - the country has one of the highest levels of education in Europe and school is compulsory until the age of 18. Most parents are keen for their children to attain the best qualifications they can in order to find good employment.
to top The Esntials (10 Key Tips)
1. Be alert to differences within Belgian society and
culture - North - Flanders, primarily Dutch; South -
Wallonia, primarily French; Northeast - primarily
German influenced. Print bi-lingual business cards as
appropriate.
2. Recogni that Belgians tend to be careful and
conrvative; they will take their time before trusting
others. Build extra time into your planning.
3. Maintain a friendly, open attitude. Being confrontational
is considered rude.
4. Work at being subtle rather than overly direct.
Directness is sometimes associated with being too
simplistic.
5. Expect to have to deal with many procedures and a lot
accomof paperwork.
6. Work through issues in a gradual way; communication
should be logical and reason-bad.
7. Arrive on time for meetings; arriving late may cau you to be en as unreliable.
Meetings tend to be formal, although first meetings are often more social than
business focusd.
8. Be prepared for lengthy discussions of issues to make sure all alternatives have been
considered.
9. Be acquainted with Belgian history and in particular, the economic achievements of
the country. Demonstrate a positive orientation toward Europe.
10. Try to avoid religious issues or issues related to the tensions between the regions of
Belgium; do not criticize the monarchy.
to top Working with the Belgians
Do not let the low-key demeanor and approach of the Belgians mislead you. They are open and frien
dly yet industrious and well-educated. They are pragmatic, flexible and willing to compromi but not looking to waste time either and are punctual about business matters. They appreciate the same qualities in others. They are inherently conrvative but are also very creative. Be prepared to work through matters in a rational and gradual way and maintain a modest approach.
Belgians will not take well to bombastic, boastful
or overbearing behaviour. Shows of temper or
impatience will be viewed as bad manners. They
are not snobbish or status- conscious but also
enjoy a high standard of living. They dress and
eat well and while they work hard, they also value
their free time and enjoy a rich 'cafe society'. Be
prepared to relax with them and show an
appreciation of their fine array of restaurants,
bistros and bars. They also have a very rich
cultural history and a knowledge of their great
contribution to the arts will be appreciated, as will a recognition of and respect for their economic success.
Be sure to understand the history and current political situation of the country and the divide between the Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north and the French-speaking Wallonia in the south and be aware of their nsitivities about their differences. The Belgians are keen supporters of Europe and may view real criticism of the EU with skepticism.
Be aware that the Flemish and the Walloons may display some different characteristics at work: while the Flemings are egalitarian and take a connsual approach to work and decision making, the Walloons can be more hierarchical and authoritarian and conscious of rank.
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Making a Good Impression
Belgium has a rich cultural history but also politically, a very complex and sometimes troubled one. There continue to be tensions in the country between the Flemings in the north and Walloons in the south. Be sure that you know the difference and that the Flemings are Dutch speakers, but are not Dutch, while the Walloons speak French, but are not French. The Walloons can also be nsitive about being en as quieter versions of the French. Be careful not to speak French to Flemings or Dutch to Walloons. German should only be spoken to tho in the small, German speaking region of Belgium.
Belgians are modest, pragmatic and flexible.
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They are not given to loud or aggressive
behaviour and will not take well to tho who are
very boisterous, pushy or aggressive. They
respect creativity and flexibility and a willingness
to compromi and find common and agreed
ground in business situations. Tho in the north
are more given to a connsual style of
negotiation and decision-making than tho in the
south and attitudes and expectations should be
tailored accordingly.
The Belgians are friendly and outgoing and will take well to tho who have an open, respectful attitude. They will expect colleagues to be friendly but efficient and to live up to their promis and agreements. While Belgians are pragmatic and do not like to waste time, they like to enjoy friendly relationships with their business counterparts. They enjoy business entertainment - eating and drinking are favourite past times. Good topics of conversation include food and drink, sports, Belgian art and architecture.
Despite the size of the country, its achievements culturally and economically are considerable and should not be underestimated. Some painful parts of their history - including religion and war, should be avoided. Belgians are enthusiastic supporters of the EU, which should be understood and acknowledged.
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Business Etiquette
It is completely normal to exchange business cards when meeting in business surroundings in Belgium. It is a good idea to have the French - or Dutch equivalents - of the information on your card on its rever side, according to the region you are visiting. It may also be worthwhile to have two cards printed so that you have one with
the French translation and another with the Dutch
translation. Prent the business card with thesniffy
translated side up so that your counterpart does not
miss it.
It is customary to shake hands when greeting
someone and if meeting a group, shake hands with
everyone. Make eye contact when shaking hands.
Although Belgian associates will often greet each
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other with a kiss, you should not presume to do so
until you know the person very well and you are sure of your ground. It is also normal to maintain at least an arm's length distance from people with whom you are talking. Maintain good posture and do not keep your hands in your pockets or assume a very relaxed po, which may be en as lacking in decorum. Do not presume to pat anyone on the back or put your arm around them. Yawning, using toothpicks or chewing gum in public is also not done.
It is not usual to give or receive gifts in business surroundings. But if you wish to celebrate a special occasion - like the closure of a deal - it is advisable to lect something which will be personally appealing to the recipient of the gift and something of good quality. Something from your homeland is also appropriate - artifacts or books or some liquor which is a specialty of your country or region. If you receive a gift it is polite to open it in front of the giver and show due appreciation. If you are entertained, you can reciprocate.
Belgians rarely invite business associates into their homes but if they do, a gift will be appreciated. Since the Belgians make some of the best chocolates in the world, something el - like flowers - will
be preferable. Check with a florist if there are any flowers which are not well received. A thank-you call or note after you have been entertained is also considered polite.
Belgians communicate in a relaxed and open way. They will not be adver to exchanging some pleasantries when you first meet as a means of breaking the ice and getting to know something about you. The French-speaking Walloons may be more conscious of rank. You should be very well aware of the differences between the Flemings and the Walloons and ensure that you know who you are dealing with.
to top Business Meeting Culture
Before the meeting
Belgians are not given to the breakfast meetings which are so popular in the US and in the UK. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon are the best times for meetings in the country. Belgians are well-organid and will appreciate receiving an agenda and knowing in advance what topics are to be discusd, and the desired goal of a meeting. Agendas and any other
