Giving French management a chance

Important French groups located abroad have to choose between converting to a management system which ‘conforms to international standards’ and preserving French practices. Converting to the former is made easier because ‘good practices’ associated with this style of management are described in management books and can consequently be used by others. International management, which is in fact American, poses problems due to certain limitations which Americans themselves recognise, and also because of its lack of suitability in many other cultural contexts. Therefore, the best way forward would appear to be to come to terms with the special features of French management methods, which have certain merits, notably with respect to client relationships. Consequently, it is essential to clarify these management methods which do not exist in any books, and to abandon some of the techniques which do not translate easily into other cultures.