Reungrong Van Es

5937637238
Cross cultural management

Belgium
The country that has been chosen is Belgium. Even though the country is very small it is still
split up into two primary cultural groups: the Flemings - which live in Dutch speaking part of
Belgium (the north), and compromise around 55 % of the population. The other primary group is
the Walloons, the primarily speak French and make up around 33% of the population ("Culture
of Belgium - History, People, Women, Beliefs, Food, Customs, Family, Social, Marriage"). Even
though both groups may have values and beliefs that differ, due to the different cultures in the
areas, there are still core values and beliefs that both parties follow. Firstly in regards to beliefs
and more specifically religion. Catholicism is the main religious faith in Belgium. The Catholic
Church controls an important network of schools. Furthermore, Catholicism is an integral part of
families in Belgium, they provide a core guidance to families and bond families together. For
examples, going to Sunday mass together, the children are baptized, then the children also go to
Sunday school and go to communion when they are of age. In regards to values, family is an
integral role in Belgian society. Close family ties are valued - family is number one priority.
Furthermore, it can be seen that the families tend to lie near each other in the same
neighborhoods, and even extended family living in the same town. Even though family is
important, they value independence and autonomy. Another value that is important to Belgian's is
how they present themselves, style and cleanliness is important to how they live their lives. They
try to look the best and presentable in all situations ("Belgium - Language, Culture, Customs and
Business Etiquette"). Other points that should be mentioned is that they have a very logical way
of thinking, rather than going with what they feel, Belgians tend to be more rational and think
all of the points through before making a decision.
In regards to Belgiums business culture. The values and beliefs of the country can be seen
reflected in how they conduct themselves in business settings. Firstly, as mentioned before
Belgium is split up into two primary groups. When looking at hierarchy and decision making, the
two groups hold very different values. For examples, with the Walloons, they have a more
structural, formal organizational hierarchy. Most of the business decision are made at the top
rankings of the business, and they do not take into consideration the opinions of the other
workers ("Business Culture in Belgium"). It is a very centralized business model. Whereas the
Flemings, the have a more flat organizational structure, and when it comes to decision making,
they are usually reached based on a consensus. However, in regards to decision making both
group go through a long process of discussion and looking at all possible outcomes before
coming to a conclusion. When making appointments in Belgium, it is best to do it face to face,
this is because in Belgian culture, real life connections are important. Furthermore, being on time
is very irritant, this is because if you are late to an appointment, you can be seen as unreliable
("Doing Business In Belgium And Work Culture | Expat Arrivals"). In business settings, how
you dress is key to how you want to come across. For example, men should wear suits that are
dark in colour paired off with lace up shoes slip on shoes can be seen as too relaxed. Same goes
for women, dark colours and formal business wear. Another point is that they prefer subtlety than
directness, this is because directness can be seen as not as high an intelligence compared to
someone who is subtle. Furthermore, directness may be seen as confrontational is it considered
rude.
 Reungrong Van Es
5937637238
Cross cultural management

As seen from the previous paragraphs, Belgians have certain values and beliefs that do spill over
and effect business culture. However, they do like to keep personal lives and business very
separate. From looking at how they conduct business, it is seen that they try to be subtle and
avoid confrontation. The consequence of this is that punishment might not be as direct and harsh
but rather subtle, and they might talk it out before anything happens. This is because
confrontation is seen as rude, and giving a punishment may be seen as confrontation. Rewards
may be more bountiful than punishments, this is because even though there is a certain
formality with business etiquette; Belgians in general like close personal connections, and by
giving rewards might aid in making connections and keeping people happy.

References

"Belgium - Language, Culture, Customs And Business Etiquette". Commisceo-global.com. N.p.,

2017. Web. 15 Feb. 2017.
"Business Culture In Belgium". Expatica.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 15 Feb. 2017.
"Culture Of Belgium - History, People, Women, Beliefs, Food, Customs, Family, Social,
Marriage". Everyculture.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 15 Feb. 2017.
"Doing Business In Belgium And Work Culture | Expat Arrivals". Expat Arrivals. N.p., 2017.
Web. 15 Feb. 2017.