Corporate Culture

Belgians are very serious about being on time for business meetings. If you're running late, call and let them know why. When you meet, give your business card. English-language business cards are accepted. In meetings, Belgians typically engage in a brief period of small talk before getting down to business. Initial meetings are typically used to establish rapport and foster confidence.

Meetings in business are formal. Business partnerships are followed by personal relationships. Belgians have a reputation for reasonableness, negotiation, and compromise. They value precise numbers and data. Business structure in Flanders is typically horizontal and uncomplicated. The workplace frequently uses participatory management, active consensus, and responsibility delegation.

Walloons favor formal hierarchy, formal organization, directive leadership, and clear hierarchical structures. For Walloons, job titles and rank are equally as important as rules and procedures. Unless there is an emergency, it is improper to phone a Belgian businessperson at home.