Belgium: Culture
This guide to business culture and etiquette in Belgium is courtesy of Executive Planet
It is recommended that you telephone or write for an appointment at least one week in advance. The Belgian company will set the time of your appointment and you should aim to arrive punctually. Public transport is first-class but the traffic in and around Brussels can be very heavy so you should allow plenty of time if traveling by car.
Quite often the first appointment will be socially orientated since most Belgians like to get know someone before proceeding with business of any kind.
If you are scheduled to meet at 11:30 a.m., you should reckon on this being effectively a luncheon appointment and timetable any other engagements accordingly.
Belgians do not do breakfast meetings for the most part and the preferred times are mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Office hours are generally 8:30 a.m-5:30 p.m. with 30-60 minutes for lunch. Businesses do not officially close earlier on Fridays but many office-workers like to get away early for the weekend. Of course, senior executives tend to work longer hours.
Shops are usually open from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday; some may close for lunch. Larger stores and shopping centres stay open until 9:00 p.m. on Fridays. Banks open at 9:00 a.m. and close between 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., depending on location, from Monday to Friday.
When planning your trip [and any follow-up meetings], you should bear in mind that most Belgians take a one-month vacation each year, usually in July-August.
Belgium celebrates the traditional European [Catholic] holidays. In addition, 21 July is Independence Day and 11 November is Armistice Day; each linguistic community also has its own regional holiday.
Belgian businessmen behave formally and expect formality in others, so it is advisable to dress conservatively at least for the first meeting.
In common with most continentals, Belgians have a highly developed dress-sense and will immediately assess your level of professional achievement and social standing in the light of your taste and the quality of your clothing.
Men should wear dark woollen suits, white cotton shirts, silk ties, and highly polished leather shoes; simple but elegant suits or dresses are the standard attire for women, perhaps enhanced by suitably discreet jewelry or some other accessory.
You may, however, discover that your Belgian counterparts are more inclined to designer fashion that embraces stylish French or Italian cuts, linen suits, well-tailored blazers, non-white shirts, colourful ties, and even loafers. If this is the case, then you might like to emulate them but you should still ensure that your more 'European' wardrobe is of the highest quality.
Despite the EU's reputation for stuffy bureaucracy, 'Eurocrats' themselves are pretty relaxed and may prefer a jacket and tie, often with the top button discreetly undone, rather than a suit.
The continental conception of 'smart casual' is more smart than casual and is likely to be the product of a shopping trip to the chic Avenue Louise in Brussels; T-shirts, jeans, shorts and sneakers are not 'smart casual.'
When invited to someone's home, you do not have to dress as formally. For example, a man could wear a sports jacket or blazer with a shirt and tie, and flannels or smart chinos; a woman might wear a blouse and trousers.
On the other hand, if you receive an invitation requiring 'formal' dress, this will usually mean full evening wear, i.e. black tie and dinner jacket. This would apply to grander social functions, especially in Brussels.
Belgium has a temperate climate but that does not preclude extremes of temperature for short periods in both summer and winter. It also rains a lot all year round and damp mists can hang over the Flemish canals seemingly for days. It is, therefore, sensible to have a raincoat and/or umbrella on hand in all seasons and even on days that start out clear.
Welcome topics of conversation
Belgians are affable people who enjoy café society and relish an opportunity for intelligent, if not always necessarily serious, conversation in congenial surroundings with, they hope, like-minded company.
You will encounter a lively hubbub in bars and restaurants, but this is northern Europe and not the Mediterranean, so you should try to speak in a low, moderate tone at all times, regardless of the topic you are discussing; expressing too much excitement or animation is usually frowned upon.
In general, Belgians never discuss personal subjects. It is inappropriate to begin a conversation here with the up-front question 'What do you do?' as you might in North America. Similarly you should endeavour to remain modest about your own wealth and professional accomplishments. Self-aggrandisement is despised here.
If Belgium perhaps lacks a particular cultural identity, it is, of course, because of the pervasive Dutch and French influences. The linguistic divide that cuts Belgium in half can be a highly sensitive subject and you must make an effort not to confuse the two [or even three, if we include German] cultural groups and their languages. However, the level of antagonism is much exaggerated and any tribalism that may exist lies more in pride in one's Flemish or Walloon roots than in hostility towards members of the other community. Ethnic, linguistic and religious biases do persist, but most Belgians are Catholic [75%] and bi- or tri-lingual. For the visiting businessman, there are only three important rules:
Topics to Avoid:
Nevertheless, there is a certain snobbish dimension that attaches itself to these linguistic divisions. Just as the French tend to look down on Walloons and Parisians look down on the rest of France, the Walloons feel superior to the Flemings whilst French-speakers in Brussels generally believe they are of a higher class than all other Belgians put together.
If your Belgian geography is not quite up to speed, you can always tell whether a company is Flemish or Walloon by the initials after its name: the former are either NV [public] or BVBA [private]; the latter are either SA [public] or SPRL [private].
Welcome Topics of Conversation:
- Do not speak French to a Fleming [he may resent it];
- Do not speak Dutch to a Walloon [he probably won't understand it];
- Do not speak German to any Belgian outside the tiny German enclave.
- The part of Belgium you are currently visiting/your travels in other parts of Belgium;
- Belgian food and beer;
- Belgian art and architecture;
- Sport [especially cycling and soccer].
- Belgian history [too painful for the most part];
- The Germans [see above];
- Politics;
- Any perceived lack of a distinctive 'Belgian culture';
- The various languages spoken in Belgium;
- Ethnic jokes about either Flemings or Walloons or both.
Although it is becoming increasingly common for colleagues to use first names at work, this practice remains rare when there is a distinct difference in age or position and when dealing with 'outsiders' such as clients, suppliers, etc.
First names are still generally reserved for close friends, so you should always use the standard courtesy titles followed by the surname [and, by extension, use the vous form with French-speakers] until invited to switch to first names [and so, eventually, to use tu]. A Fleming is more likely to invite you to use his or her first name sooner than a Walloon and both sooner than a French-speaker from Brussels.
The Dutch forms of address are: meneer ['Mr'], mevrouw ['Mrs'] and mejuffrouw ['Miss']; there is also a distinction between the informal second-person pronouns used for family and friends and the formal form for strangers and superiors.
On the reasonable assumption that most foreign businessmen are not fully conversant with Dutch, however, it is easiest to apologise for your ignorance in English and proceed to use 'Mr', 'Mrs' etc. On the other hand, it would be courteous, and would certainly make a good impression, if you were to address envelopes, letters, faxes and e-mails in Dutch; thus: de Heer ['Mr'], Mevr. ['Mrs'], Mej,['Miss'],and Mw.['Ms']. Above all, though, you should try to avoid addressing a Fleming in French.
With French-speakers, you should use the courtesy titles Monsieur ['Mr'] and Madame ['Mrs']. The use of Mademoiselle ['Miss'] is becoming rarer in a business environment that reflects changes in society as a whole; whereas previously the distinction was based on a woman's marital status, this is no longer deemed appropriate and Madame is customarily used to convey respect for a any woman's professional standing and dignity. Unless a senior businesswoman wishes to stress that she is not married, therefore, Madame is widely used to signify greater experience and achievement in life regardless of marriage. Mademoiselle, however, remains the correct mode of address for girls and young women who are not perceived to have attained a certain, undefined level of 'maturity'; at the risk of seeming sexist and patronising, it might be suggested that [young] waitresses, shop assistants, telephonists, receptionists and even secretaries could potentially fall into the latter category. As always, though, it is best to err on the side of caution and respectful formality.
The order of names is generally the same as in North America, i.e. the first name is given before the surname. Some French-speakers, however, may introduce themselves by giving their surname first, which can be confusing if both sound like first names [for example, the French footballer Thierry Henry]. If in doubt, ask.
Belgians are not generally hung up about academic and/or professional titles.
Selecting and presenting an appropriate business gift
It is not usually part of Belgian business culture to give or receive gifts.
If you do wish to give a present to a particularly close business associate, for example on closure of a deal, you should not include your business card with it or give anything featuring your company logo.
By this time you should have become familiar with your counterpart's tastes and be in a position to select something that he or she would genuinely appreciate regardless of cost; if not, then it is probably not appropriate to give anything at all.
As a standby, it is always handy to bring something from your homeland--a coffee-table book or some representative artefact--or to have some interesting ideas for an impromptu gift [e.g. a bottle of something rare or unusual] should the need arise.
Gifts will be opened in front of the giver and you should do the same if you are the recipient.
If you are entertained in public, then the easiest way of giving thanks is to return the compliment and host your own party, dinner, trip to the opera, or whatever.
It is quite rare to be invited into a Belgian's home so, if you enjoy this privilege [most likely in Flanders], you must be certain to behave accordingly. Belgians already know that they make the finest chocolates in the world, so it is probably best to take flowers for your hostess [not chrysanthemums, lilies or red roses and, in accordance with the old European tradition, an uneven number that is not thirteen] and perhaps a bottle of spirits for your host. Any gift should be presented on arrival.
Just as importantly, you must send a hand-written thank-you letter to your hosts to reach them the next day. You might also send flowers [if you have not already given some] or a basket of fruit as a token of gratitude and appreciation.
There is no harm in sending a New Year's greetings card to business associates as an expression of thanks and as a way of maintaining contact.
Exchanging business cards is a standard practice in Belgian business culture. It is recommended that you have your business card translated with one side in English and French or Dutch on the other depending on the main language of the region that you are visiting. Ideally, you should have two sets: English-French and English-Dutch. You should present your card with the language of your colleague facing him or her.
Women still remain in a largely subordinate position to men in business, but this situation is changing and female business travellers will usually find acceptance throughout corporate Belgium especially in the major cities.
Senior executives usually arrive at the office later than subordinates. Belgians are keenly aware of their status in the corporate hierarchy so do not think that you are ingratiating yourself with the staff by arriving early as you will only make them feel uneasy. You should not, on the other hand, be late without a valid reason [which does not mean a vaguely plausible excuse].
Open-plan offices are not the norm in Belgium and senior management and executives are particularly keen to preserve their privacy. Before opening a door, you should knock and wait to be admitted; moreover, you should remember to close the office-door behind you.
After the necessary introductions have been made, some Belgians will immediately proceed with business discussions; others will initiate some preliminary 'small talk' before getting down to business. Mutual trust is much prized by Belgian businessmen and an element of 'small talk' allows a more personal acquaintance to develop that will encourage development of this trust. If you are running the meeting, the best policy is to start off with some 'small talk' and then allow your Belgian counterpart to initiate the business discussion.
When you are conducting a meeting, an agenda should ideally be distributed to everyone in attendance. Belgian businessmen like a meeting to be well focused and will appreciate your initiative in providing an agenda. You should try to ensure that the meeting proceeds free of interruptions. Leaving a meeting to accept a phone call, go to the lavatory, or for other any other inessential reason, will only be viewed with irritation by your Belgian counterparts.
It is highly unlikely, but not totally impossible, that you might find yourself chairing a meeting with representatives from all three linguistic groups in Belgium--in which case your only policy is to pray that they all have at least some competence in English.
Whereas francophone Belgians tend to be formal and circumspect, Flemish-speakers tend to be more informal and direct.
For the most part, Belgians tend to be conceptual thinkers. They are receptive to 'outside' ideas and you will find that a wide range of topics will be open to discussion.
Although hard facts, empirical evidence and logical argument are the most effective form of persuasion among Belgians, personal feelings may also be an important factor during negotiations. Moreover, Belgians are willing to compromise when necessary and tend to be firm believers in practical or 'common sense' approaches and solutions.
Decision-making can be slow and protracted, since even peripheral concerns may be taken into close consideration.
Of course, the individual takes responsibility for his or her decisions in the end but, in general, when you are doing business in Flanders, decisions tend to be reached by means of consensus within the group, whereas the Walloon business culture is more intensely hierarchical and only the highest person in authority makes the final decision.
Any request from a Belgian office expects a prompt reply and it is essential to assure Belgian clients, both during negotiations and subsequently, that you will meet all deadlines and be available to offer assistance when necessary.
Lunch is the most popular time for business meals [and it may extend long into the afternoon].
If you have not made a reservation, you should aim to find a table at a restaurant by 12:30 p.m. because, particularly in city-centres, they are quite likely to be full by 1:00 p.m.
Belgians are fond of the good life and take eating and drinking extremely seriously. Brussels boasts some of the finest ['French'] restaurants in Europe, as well as an exhaustive repertoire of international cuisines, but wherever you eat, whether as a guest or as host, you can expect a culinary treat.
Mussels [mosselen in Dutch; moules in French] and chips are perhaps Belgium's national dishes: the mussels come from off the coast of Zeeland, and the Belgians claim to have invented 'French' fries. It certainly is ubiquitous - and you will come across it everywhere from the Rue des Bouchers in Brussels to motorway service stations.
Belgian cuisine has much more to offer, however, and each province has its own native dishes that reflect its indigenous resources. In Flanders, maatjes [herring] is a common appetiser and might be followed by waterzooi [originally a fish soup but now more commonly made with chicken], paling in 't groen [eels stewed with green herbs], or stoofvlees [beef braised in beer]. In Wallonia, there are all manner of hams, pâtés and sausages; game abounds during the hunting season in the Ardennes; the Liège region too has its own specialities, such as oie à l'instar de Visé [goose that is first boiled then fried and served with a rich sauce]. Local vegetables and fruit are also plentiful and it is said that there are almost as many varieties of excellent cheese in Belgium as in France, for example Passendale and the pungent Remoudou from the pastures of Herve. Belgian ice cream is delicious and the chocolate needs no further recommendation.
Flamiche is a light tart made with leeks and, sometimes, local cheese that makes an agreeable snack and an ideal accompaniment for a glass of excellent local beer.
It is highly unlikely, but not totally impossible, that you might find yourself chairing a meeting with representatives from all three linguistic groups in Belgium--in which case your only policy is to pray that they all have at least some competence in English.
Whereas francophone Belgians tend to be formal and circumspect, Flemish-speakers tend to be more informal and direct.
For the most part, Belgians tend to be conceptual thinkers. They are receptive to 'outside' ideas and you will find that a wide range of topics will be open to discussion.
Although hard facts, empirical evidence and logical argument are the most effective form of persuasion among Belgians, personal feelings may also be an important factor during negotiations. Moreover, Belgians are willing to compromise when necessary and tend to be firm believers in practical or 'common sense' approaches and solutions.
Decision-making can be slow and protracted, since even peripheral concerns may be taken into close consideration.
Of course, the individual takes responsibility for his or her decisions in the end but, in general, when you are doing business in Flanders, decisions tend to be reached by means of consensus within the group, whereas the Walloon business culture is more intensely hierarchical and only the highest person in authority makes the final decision.
Any request from a Belgian office expects a prompt reply and it is essential to assure Belgian clients, both during negotiations and subsequently, that you will meet all deadlines and be available to offer assistance when necessary.
All Belgians shake hands with everyone in the room or office both on arrival and on departure. French-speakers may kiss or embrace closer acquaintances.
As a visitor you should make a point of shaking hands with everyone, including administrative staff. A light, brief shake is sufficient, but it is important to maintain steady eye contact and never look away as you are shaking hands. Men should be sure to stand when meeting and greeting a woman and should wait for women to extend their hands first. So as to avoid any potential embarrassment, you should never presume to copy a Belgian's example in kissing or embracing a counterpart until you are very sure of your ground.
When conversing with another person, you should always allow an arm's length of personal space. Talking with your hands in your pockets is perceived as a sign of bad manners. And you should try to avoid gesturing even if you find it hard to maintain this façade of appearing formal and restrained. Good posture is considered very important at all times.
Belgians are not fussy people but they do expect a certain standard of decorous behaviour:
When staying in a Belgian hotel, you may be asked to leave your passport at the front desk while the necessary paperwork is completed. If you will need to use your passport, you should inform the receptionist. Also Belgian hotels often insist that you leave your room key at the front desk each time you leave.
Taxis, bars, restaurants etc. include a service charge in the bill. It is, however, standard practice to round up the bill and to reward exceptional service with an additional tip [up to 10%].
Belgian law requires everyone to carry some form of identification at all times. The rules of the road are strict and strictly enforced:
Speed traps are commonplace and fines for speeding are heavy; foreign drivers must pay on the spot and your vehicle may be impounded if you cannot;
Frequent alcohol checks are made; a maximum of 0.22 mg/l (0.5 promille) is allowed but drunk drivers face a heavy fine depending on the degree of intoxication and possibly a prison sentence [in certain cases your driving licence may also be confiscated immediately];
Using a mobile phone while driving is not allowed and will incur a heavy fine [the use of 'hands free' equipment is allowed];
Trams have priority over all other traffic.
An introduction
For a small country with a high density of population [some 10m people in an area about the size of Maryland] Belgium is remarkably lacking in homogeneity. The Royaume de Belgique [in French] or Koninkrijk Belgie [in Dutch] gained its independence from the Netherlands in 1830 and became a unified, centralised monarchy with a new constitution on the accession of Leopold I in 1831, but today it is effectively a tripartite state in which central government plays a diminished role. Following the last constitutional amendment in 1993, Belgium is now a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch, consisting of three distinct autonomous regions--Flanders [in the north and west], Wallonia [in the south and east], and Brussels Capital--each with its own legislative body and extensive powers. At the same time Belgium is also divided into three administrative communities that reflect the three official languages: Dutch, French and German.
The root cause of what--to the outsider at least--looks like a recipe for bureaucratic chaos lies precisely in the fact that Belgium is split linguistically. French-speakers [ca 40%] inhabit the Walloon region, which occupies more than half of Belgium; Dutch-speakers [ca 60%] inhabit the more industrialised northwestern plains of Flanders; German-speakers [< 1%] are to be found in the region around Eupen along the border with Germany. Brussels is legally bilingual [Dutch and French] but it is in fact a predominantly French-speaking island surrounded by the Dutch-speaking province of Vlaams-Brabant. [There is also the tiny enclave of Baarle which is situated entirely within Dutch territory, but that is another story altogether]. The issue of Flemish as a language in its own right is a complete red herring; to quote the website of the Flanders Authority: 'The official language of Flanders is Dutch, although the region is rich in Flemish dialects.'
The so-called 'cock-pit' of Europe, then, is legally bilingual [Dutch and French] but Belgium is not a melting pot. The two dominant cultures co-exist in an uneasy, but positive tension that actually generates a creative dynamism. For the visiting businessman, even the linguistic friction is not a problem. If you speak French, do so in Brussels and Wallonia; if not speak English. If you speak Dutch, do so in Flanders; if not, speak English. For historical reasons, it is inadvisable to speak German at all outside the tiny German-speaking area. Belgium, then, is effectively trilingual: like the Netherlands, it has easy and direct access to printed and broadcast media from the UK and, as a consequence, most of the population have a high level of competence in English as a second or even third language.
An introduction
Despite, or perhaps better, because of the potential for chaos within its politico-cultural structure, Belgium prospers. Belgians largely ignore the stifling bureaucracy and a central government that is often in a state of crisis because of its endless compromises. This characteristically Latin attitude towards the rulebook [and hence a flourishing black economy] is then combined with a more typically northern capacity for doing business. Indeed, Belgium is distinctly outward-looking: Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent have been important trading centres since the Middle Ages; Belgium was a founder member of the EEC in 1957; Brussels is the capital of the EU and the site of NATO headquarters; Belgium is the biggest exporter per capita in the EU, a founder member of the eurozone and an enthusiastic promoter of greater European integration. Though deeply traditional in many ways, Belgians are flexible and internationalist in outlook; though renowned for their enjoyment of the good things in life, Belgians quietly get on with earning the means that permits their high standard of living. Belgium may be small and internally complicated, but it is very definitely open for business.