French culture takes seriously who has standing to give feedback. Standing derives from expertise, position, or recognized role. Teachers evaluate students; managers evaluate subordinates; critics evaluate works; experts evaluate matters within their expertise. Feedback from those with standing should be taken seriously; feedback from those lacking standing may be discounted.
When you receive feedback from French colleagues, consider their standing to evaluate—if they have relevant expertise or legitimate position, their feedback warrants serious engagement. If you give feedback, recognize that your standing affects how it will be received; feedback on matters beyond your expertise or role may be dismissed.
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