Belgian Business Teams

It has been said that the Belgians find it easier to work in a multi-cultural team rather than in a team made up solely of a mix of Walloons and Flemings. Although this point is perhaps debatable, it is certainly true that intra-Belgium tensions are rarely very far below the surface in such situations.

This inherent tension — which runs through Belgian society — means that such devices as compromise, diplomacy and conflict avoidance are pre-requisites in the team environment. Anybody who attempts to rock the boat risks affecting the uneasy Belgian truce which has been many years in the making.

Therefore, when working with a Belgium team it is important to recognise and, wherever possible, foster the development of this all-important group harmony. Try to avoid situations designed to stimulate debate through confrontation. If conflict seems likely, try to diffuse the situation – defer the problem until later or take it off-line.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture.  Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Australia only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Belgium only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.