Luxemburg
General Information:
Capital: LuxembourgPolitical system: The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy (Grand Duchy) with a Prime Minister - Prime Minister and Head of State - the Grand Duke, who has only formal powers. The government has executive power.
Population: 613 ths
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official Language: French, German
EU single emergency number: 112
National lines:
Rescue service: 112
Firemen: 112
Police: 113
Cultural differences and advice from Intercultural Communication Coach:
Luxembourg is unique for its political system, known as the Grand Duchy. Henri I, Grand Duke of Luxembourg is the head of state. Luxembourg has a population of 0.5 million. Despite being a small country, it is a founding member of the Benelux, NATO, the European Union and the OECD. Luxembourg is one of the richest countries in terms of GDP per capita. Many Luxembourgers use the Luxembourgish, French and German language. The Schengen agreements are linked to a Luxembourg village located at the border with Germany and France. Luxembourg is the seat of several institutions that are important to citizens of the entire European Union, such as the Statistical Office of Eurostat, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Investment Bank or the General Secretariat of the European Parliament.
Luxembourg is also one of the cultures that are currently undergoing changes from a hierarchical business culture to delegating and joint decision-making of all team members. Expat managers describe colleagues from Luxembourg as rational and pragmatic people. Direct style of communication and open criticism are not a means of strengthening mutual co-operation in business communication. Formal style and adherence to the agenda are important at business meetings and negotiations. Delays and diversions are not welcome during business meetings. Above all, the discussion should be factual, and this requires very good preparation from each participant.
Recommendations for Co-operation with Colleagues from Luxembourg:
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Private and professional lives are strictly separated. Work is done at work and in private life one builds a network of friends. It is sometimes more difficult for expats to penetrate these informal networks, as they spend a lot of time mainly in the working environment.
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Formality is also recommended for the style of clothing. The emphasis is put on quality and darker colours. Adherence to protocol and clothing are signs of a serious approach to work.
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Accuracy is expected not only for business but also for private events.
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Decisions are the result of a compromise and the whole team should be involved in searching for it.
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Meetings are scheduled almost two weeks in advance. They are preceded by agreeing on the agenda of the meeting and then adhering to it.
