Power Distance Index (PDI)

This dimension expresses the degree to which the less powerful members of a society accept and expect that power is distributed unequally.

With a score of 65, Belgium scores high on the scale of the PDI. It is therefore a society in which inequalities are accepted. Hierarchy is needed if not existential; the superiors may have privileges and are often inaccessible. The power is centralized in Belgium.
In management, the attitude towards managers is more formal and on family name basis (at least, in the first contact, the information flow is hierarchical. The way information is controlled is even associated with power, therefore unequally distributed. Control is normal, and even expected, but considered as formal and not key for efficiency.

Individualism versus Collectivism (IDV)

This dimension can be defined as a preference for a loosely-knit social framework in which individuals are expected to take care of only themselves and their immediate families.

At 81 Belgium scores very high on the Individualism index. This means that the Belgians favor individual and private opinions, taking care of themselves and their immediate family rather than belonging to a group. In the work environment, work relationships are contract based, the focus is on the task, and autonomy is favored. Management is the management of individuals and the recognition of one‘s work is expected. People can voice their opinion, but towards power holders, a less direct style is preferred than amongst peers. The Belgian culture (together with the French culture) houses a “contradiction”: although highly Individualist, the Belgians need a hierarchy. This combination (high score on Power Distance and high score on Individualism) creates a specific “tension” in this culture, which makes the relationship so delicate but intense and fruitful once you manage it. Therefore, the manager is advised to establish a second “level” of communication, having personal contact with everybody in the structure, allowing to give the impression that “everybody is important” in the organization, although unequal.

Motivation toward Achievement and Success (MAS)

A high score on the "Decisive" dimension suggests a society driven by competition, achievement, and success defined by being the best, while a low score on the "Consensus-oriented" dimension indicates a focus on caring for others and quality of life rather than standing out from the crowd.

With 54 on average, Belgium has an intermediate score on Motivation towards Achievement and Success. Balancing in the middle of this dimension, contradictions can be found. A confrontational, win-lose negotiating style (typical of the US and Anglo countries) will not be very effective in Belgium. This could mean that the decision process may be slower, as each point of view is considered so that consensus can be achieved. Belgians strive towards reaching a compromise, winning a discussion is generally less important than achieving mutual agreement.

Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI)

The Uncertainty Avoidance dimension expresses the degree to which the members of a society feel uncomfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity.

At 94 Belgium has one of the highest scores on the UAI Index. Their history of frequently being ruled by others partly explains this score. Certainty is often reached through academic work and concepts that can respond for the need of detail, context, and background. Teachings and trainings are more deductive. In management structure, rules and security are welcome and if lacking, it creates stress. Therefore planning is favoured, some level of expertise welcome, when change policies on the other hand are considered stressful. Both communities North & South share this score on the dimension, which makes it very painful when negotiating a new set of rules, called a Constitution!

Long Term Orientation versus Short Term Normative Orientation (LTO)

Every society has to maintain some links with its own past while dealing with the challenges of the present and the future. In the business context this dimension is related to as "(short term) normative versus (long term) pragmatic" (PRA). In the academic environment the terminology Monumentalism versus Flexhumility is sometimes also used.

With a very high score of 61, Belgium scores as a pragmatic culture. In societies with a pragmatic orientation, people believe that truth depends very much on situation, context, and time. They show an ability to adapt traditions easily to changed conditions, a strong propensity to save and invest, thriftiness, and perseverance in achieving results.

Indulgence versus Restraint (IND)

Indulgence stands for a society that allows relatively free gratification of basic and natural human drives related to enjoying life and having fun. Restraint stands for a society that suppresses gratification of needs and regulates it by means of strict social norms.

Belgium scores 57 on this dimension, which marks it as Indulgent. People in societies classified by a high score in Indulgence generally exhibit a willingness to realise their impulses and desires with regard to enjoying life and having fun. They possess a positive attitude and have a tendency towards optimism. In addition, they place a higher degree of importance on leisure time, act as they please and spend money as they wish.

Business Customs

Business appointments are necessary and the person with whom you are meeting will generally decide the time.
Avoid scheduling business trips to Belgium during July and August, the week before Easter, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s, as they are prime vacation times.

It is expected to arrive on time to an appointment, as arriving late may create the impression of unreliability.

Meetings are generally formal, but first appointments are more social than business oriented, since Belgians prefer to do business with people they know.
It is best not to remove your jacket during a meeting unless you are invited to do so.

Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual and it is recommended to have one side translated into Dutch or French (depending on the area of the country where you are doing business).
It is important to use the appropriate language and to avoid speaking French to a Fleming and vice versa.
English is generally widely spoken within the business community.