- Tip 1
- Belgium is a country which is internally divided, where regional tensions can be detected just below the apparently calm surface of business life.
- Tip 2
- The inherent tensions within Belgium society have led to the knowledge that compromise and negotiated settlements are essential if progress is to be made.
- Tip 3
- Companies have traditionally been organised along strictly hierarchical lines - but this system is currently under attack and many companies are moving towards the adoption of more matrix-oriented models.
- Tip 4
- Decisions tend to laboured, as they have to go through the process of compromise and debate if they are to be accepted.
- Tip 5
- Managers tend to take a measured approach which relies heavily on consultation and discussion - this is more the case in the Flemish areas than in Wallonia.
- Tip 6
- Being conservative and compromise-oriented, rapid change is difficult to achieve and 'new' ideas may be viewed with suspicion.
- Tip 7
- Confrontation is to be avoided and being dogmatic can be viewed as arrogance. Open disagreement within meetings is more likely to be seen in Flanders than in Wallonia.
- Tip 8
- Belgians work well in multi-cultural teams - possibly better than they do in teams which include both Flemings and Walloons.
- Tip 9
- In a group situation, it is important to try to develop a harmonious atmosphere, free from conflict.
- Tip 10
- The English language is widely spoken (especially in Brussels where many people exhibit an advanced degree of fluency.)
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