Article for translators: How to Do Business in Belgium

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How to Do Business in Belgium

By McElroy Translation,
Austin, Texas 78701 USA

quotes at mcelroytranslation com
http://www.mcelroytranslation.com/

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The People

Belgium is comprised of two primary cultural groups. The Dutch-speaking Flemings live in Flanders, in the north, and make up 55% of the population. The French-speaking Walloons live in Wallonia, in the south, and make up 33% of the population. Hard work and an appreciation for culture are important values to Belgians, who think of themselves as Europeans first, Walloons or Flemings second, and Belgians third. Strong family systems are vital to Belgian society. Extended families live in separate homes, but often settle in or near the town where they were raised.

Meeting and Greeting

Shake hands with everyone present — men, women, and children — at business and social meetings. Shake hands again when leaving.
Repeat your name when being introduced.

Language

Dutch, French and German are all widely spoken in Belgium.
Speak English if in doubt. There is no place in Europe where you can get in greater trouble by using the incorrect language than in Belgium.
The language of choice for negotiators in Brussels is English. French is also frequently used.

Body Language

It is considered impolite to snap your fingers.
Do not put your hands in your pockets, yawn, scratch or use toothpicks in public.
Feet should never be put on chairs or tables.
Back slapping is considered offensive.
The “okay” sign means zero.

Corporate Culture

Belgians take punctuality for business meetings very seriously. Call with an explanation if you are delayed.
Present your business card upon meeting. Business cards in English are acceptable.
Belgians tend to socialize for a short period of time before they get down to business at meetings.
Initial meetings are generally for getting acquainted and developing trust.
Business meetings are formal. Personal relationships follow business relationships.
Belgians are known for compromise, negotiation and common sense. They appreciate clear facts and figures.
In Flanders, business organization is generally horizontal and simple. Participatory management, active consensus and delegation of responsibility are common in the workplace.
Walloons prefer structure, formal organization, clear hierarchical systems and directive leadership. Rules and procedures are important to Walloons, as are job titles and rank.
It is not acceptable to call a Belgian businessperson at home unless there is an emergency.

Dining and Entertainment

Business lunches are common; business breakfasts are rare.
To beckon a waiter or waitress raise your hand and make eye contact.
Keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal — not in your lap. However, keep your elbows off the table.
Accept any drink offered by your host. Don’t ask for a drink not offered.
Hosts seat guests. Husbands and wives are generally not seated together.
Hosts and hostesses sit at opposite ends of the table.
A male guest of honor is seated to the right of the hostess; a female guest of honor is seated to the right of the host.
Wait to drink until your host offers the first toast.
The guest of honor is generally expected to offer a toast.
Belgians are thrifty and do not appreciate waste. Finish all the food on your plate.
Knife and fork are placed side by side on the dinner plate at the 5:25 position when you are finished eating.
It is considered impolite to ask for a tour of your host’s home.

Dress

Belgians dress conservatively.
For business meetings, men should wear dark suits and ties. Women should wear suits, dresses or skirts and blouses.

Gifts

Gifts are generally not exchanged in business settings.
When invited to someone’s home, always bring flowers for the hostess. Small gifts or candy for children are appreciated.
Do not give chrysanthemums, which symbolize death.
Gifts are generally opened in front of the giver.
Don’t give gifts that are extravagant or expensive.

Helpful Hints

Avoid discussing personal matters or linguistic divisions with Belgians.
In Belgium, men are expected to rise when a woman enters the room. They also stand on public transportation until women are seated.
Do not flaunt wealth or be noisy or loud in public.
Do not ask personal questions about private lives.
Try to sneeze and blow your nose in private.

Especially for Women

Foreign women should have little difficulty conducting business in Belgium.
It is acceptable for a foreign woman to invite a Belgian man to dinner and pay the tab.

Mary Bosrock
President
International Education Systems
1814 Hillcrest Avenue, Suite 300
St. Paul, MN 55116
651-227-2052
Visit our web sites at
http://www.ISawGod.com
http://www.internationaleducation.net

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