The British often complain that French managers are autocratic and arrogant. To the French many British managers appear indecisive and unprofessional. This is because the role of managers is different in the two cultures. British managers are expected to work as a team and their interaction is fundamentally collaborative. In French organisations greater value is put on demonstrable individual competence.
Differences affect people at all levels.
In Germany the chairman of the managing board has a lot less individual power than his French or British counterpart. Meanwhile out in the front office, if secretaries in Britain tell their bosses what is in the diary for the day it is regarded as efficiency. In Italy or Spain it may well be regarded as impudence. Broadly speaking in Germany a meeting is a vehicle for experts to exchange information. Participants are well prepared and do not expect to be questioned or challenged.