The second most densely populated country in Europe, Belgium is a small country located on the southern shores of the North Sea. Often referred to as the crossroads of Europe, Belgium is home to many key European institutions and has a long history of cultural interactions with most of the major European ethnic groups.
Belgium Today
With two very distinct cultural regions, Flanders (Flemish or Belgian Dutch speaking) and Wallonia (French speaking) and the uniquely multilingual capital Brussels, Belgians do not have a strong connection to a national culture, but rather to the language or region they were raised in. While many differences exist, most Belgians are firm believers in the modern world but take pride in historical traditions and their tolerance towards foreigners.
Belgian Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Formality – Belgian culture still retains much of its historical traditions and formalities. A strong hierarchy exists and titles and formal greetings are still used. Though Belgians may greet foreigners with a certain level of formality, they will quickly welcome you with generous hospitality. Make sure you respect this formality, particularly in a business environment.
Family – As a relatively traditional society, Belgians place a lot of importance on family life. As such a small country, even if a family lives on opposite sides, they are still able to get together quickly and frequently.
Egalitarianism – While status tends to be determined by your family, level of education, job and age, most Belgians like to think they are of equal status. Gender traditionally played a role determining status but it is increasingly unacceptable to judge or treat someone differently because of their gender. Class differences are no longer as prevalent, but there exist certain sensitivities between the two regions which can result in tension or feelings of inequality. These are a result of both historical and economic factors.
Compromise – As a society with a strong emphasis on family life and egalitarianism, Belgians always try to compromise rather than argue or disagree about things. Decision-making in business can therefore be a slow process since many parties will contribute their ideas before a decision is made.
Doing Business in Belgium
Belgium has long been at the intersection of human movement across Europe. Having been invaded by many of the original European ethnic and cultural groups, it has only been a truly independent state since 1830. As the site of much of the fighting along the Western Front in the World Wars, Belgium has since been an active participant in multi-lateral bodies, including being a founding member of the European Community.
Now a modern industrialised society that depends heavily on foreign trade, especially with its European neighbours, Belgium is ideally located to reap the benefits of a highly integrated transportation infrastructure linking it to the industrial centres of Europe. The Flemish speaking areas centred around the multicultural city of Brussels are faring better economically than the Walloon section resulting in increased tensions between the two groups. Due to these tensions, formal recognition and autonomy have recently been granted to the two regions.
Part 1 – Working in Belgium: Working practices in Belgium
Structure and hierarchy in Belgian companies
Working relationships in Belgium
Part 2 – Doing Business in Belgium: Business practices in Belgium
Belgian Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO ensure that you are not interrupting a meeting with your Belgian counterparts by answering the phone or leaving the room to get more coffee. This is considered rude and inconsiderate to others in the meeting.
DO dress conservatively and as formally as possible. Men should wear dark suits and ties while women tend to wear nice dresses or elegant suits. Belgians take great pride in the way they dress as it shows your professional achievement and status.
DO find out what language your counterparts use beforehand so as to not offend them by using the wrong language. Belgians are sensitive to language differences, particularly between Dutch and French, so if you are unsure it is best to use English until asked to do otherwise.
DON’T remove your jacket in a formal business situation until you see others doing so. Belgians are particularly mindful of their appearance and like to maintain a certain level of formality in business situations.
DON’T schedule meetings during the months of July and August since most people tend to take holiday during this time.
DON’T reject an invitation to lunch with your Belgian counterparts. Belgians are proud of their food and enjoy their meals so take the opportunity to enjoy it with them and build stronger relationships.
Belgian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. Starting a presentation with a joke helps to lighten up the atmosphere and get people’s attention.
2. Talking to someone with your hands in your pockets is considered impolite.
3. Gifts are appreciated but avoid anything with your company logo.
4. Belgians like to keep their office doors open at all times.
5. It is considered rude to sneeze or blow your nose in public.
Belgian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. Belgians expect and appreciate a certain level of formality in business situations. Jokes and humour are saved for more personal and informal affairs.
2. True.
3. True.
4. False. Belgians value their privacy and formality so office doors are kept closed. Always knock before entering and close the door behind you.
5. True. If possible, try to leave the room or turn your head away when doing so.
Belgium Today
With two very distinct cultural regions, Flanders (Flemish or Belgian Dutch speaking) and Wallonia (French speaking) and the uniquely multilingual capital Brussels, Belgians do not have a strong connection to a national culture, but rather to the language or region they were raised in. While many differences exist, most Belgians are firm believers in the modern world but take pride in historical traditions and their tolerance towards foreigners.
Belgian Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Formality – Belgian culture still retains much of its historical traditions and formalities. A strong hierarchy exists and titles and formal greetings are still used. Though Belgians may greet foreigners with a certain level of formality, they will quickly welcome you with generous hospitality. Make sure you respect this formality, particularly in a business environment.
Family – As a relatively traditional society, Belgians place a lot of importance on family life. As such a small country, even if a family lives on opposite sides, they are still able to get together quickly and frequently.
Egalitarianism – While status tends to be determined by your family, level of education, job and age, most Belgians like to think they are of equal status. Gender traditionally played a role determining status but it is increasingly unacceptable to judge or treat someone differently because of their gender. Class differences are no longer as prevalent, but there exist certain sensitivities between the two regions which can result in tension or feelings of inequality. These are a result of both historical and economic factors.
Compromise – As a society with a strong emphasis on family life and egalitarianism, Belgians always try to compromise rather than argue or disagree about things. Decision-making in business can therefore be a slow process since many parties will contribute their ideas before a decision is made.
Doing Business in Belgium
Belgium has long been at the intersection of human movement across Europe. Having been invaded by many of the original European ethnic and cultural groups, it has only been a truly independent state since 1830. As the site of much of the fighting along the Western Front in the World Wars, Belgium has since been an active participant in multi-lateral bodies, including being a founding member of the European Community.
Now a modern industrialised society that depends heavily on foreign trade, especially with its European neighbours, Belgium is ideally located to reap the benefits of a highly integrated transportation infrastructure linking it to the industrial centres of Europe. The Flemish speaking areas centred around the multicultural city of Brussels are faring better economically than the Walloon section resulting in increased tensions between the two groups. Due to these tensions, formal recognition and autonomy have recently been granted to the two regions.
Part 1 – Working in Belgium: Working practices in Belgium
Structure and hierarchy in Belgian companies
Working relationships in Belgium
Part 2 – Doing Business in Belgium: Business practices in Belgium
Belgian Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO ensure that you are not interrupting a meeting with your Belgian counterparts by answering the phone or leaving the room to get more coffee. This is considered rude and inconsiderate to others in the meeting.
DO dress conservatively and as formally as possible. Men should wear dark suits and ties while women tend to wear nice dresses or elegant suits. Belgians take great pride in the way they dress as it shows your professional achievement and status.
DO find out what language your counterparts use beforehand so as to not offend them by using the wrong language. Belgians are sensitive to language differences, particularly between Dutch and French, so if you are unsure it is best to use English until asked to do otherwise.
DON’T remove your jacket in a formal business situation until you see others doing so. Belgians are particularly mindful of their appearance and like to maintain a certain level of formality in business situations.
DON’T schedule meetings during the months of July and August since most people tend to take holiday during this time.
DON’T reject an invitation to lunch with your Belgian counterparts. Belgians are proud of their food and enjoy their meals so take the opportunity to enjoy it with them and build stronger relationships.
Belgian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. Starting a presentation with a joke helps to lighten up the atmosphere and get people’s attention.
2. Talking to someone with your hands in your pockets is considered impolite.
3. Gifts are appreciated but avoid anything with your company logo.
4. Belgians like to keep their office doors open at all times.
5. It is considered rude to sneeze or blow your nose in public.
Belgian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. False. Belgians expect and appreciate a certain level of formality in business situations. Jokes and humour are saved for more personal and informal affairs.
2. True.
3. True.
4. False. Belgians value their privacy and formality so office doors are kept closed. Always knock before entering and close the door behind you.
5. True. If possible, try to leave the room or turn your head away when doing so.