Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Australia :: Business Etiquette

Australian Society & Culture

Aussie Modesty

 Australians are very down to earth and always mindful of not giving the impression that they think they are better than anyone else. 
. They value authenticity, sincerity, and loathe pretentiousness. 
. Australians prefer people who are modest, humble, self- deprecating and with a sense of humour.  
. They do not draw attention to their academic or other achievements and tend to distrust people who do. 
. They often downplay their own success, which may make them appear not to be achievement-oriented.
Mates
. Australians place a high value on relationships. 
. With a relatively small population, it is important to get along with everyone, since you never know when your paths may cross again. 
. This leads to a win-win negotiating style, since having everyone come away with positive feelings helps facilitate future business dealings.
A Multi-Cultural Society
. The initial population of Australia was made up of Aborigines and people of British and Irish descent. 
. After World War II there was heavy migration from Europe, especially from Greece, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia, Lebanon, and Turkey. 
. This was in response to the Australian policy of proactively trying to attract immigrants to boost the population and work force.
. In the last thirty years, Australia has liberalised its immigration policy and opened its borders to South East Asia. 
. This has caused a real shift in self-perception as Aussies begin to re-define themselves as a multi-cultural and multi-faith society rather then the old homogenous, white, Anglo- Saxon, Protestant nation.

Australian Etiquette & Customs

Meeting Etiquette
. Australians are not very formal so greetings are casual and relaxed. 
. A handshake and smile suffices.
. While an Australian may say, 'G'day' or 'G'day, mate', this may sound patronizing from a foreigner. Visitors should simply say, 'Hello' or 'Hello, how are you?'
. Aussies prefer to use first names, even at the initial meeting
Gift Giving Etiquette
. Small gifts are commonly exchanged with family members, close friends, and neighbours on birthdays and Christmas. 
. Trades people such as sanitation workers may be given a small amount of cash, or more likely, a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer!
. If invited to someone's home for dinner, it is polite to bring a box of chocolates or flowers to the hostess. A good quality bottle of wine is always appreciated. 
. Gifts are opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
. Many invitations to an Aussies home will be for a 'barbie' (BBQ). 
. Guests to a barbeque typically bring wine or beer for their personal consumption. In some cases, very informal barbecues may suggest that you bring your own meat!  
. Arrive on time if invited to dinner; no more than 15 minutes late if invited to a barbeque or a large party. 
. Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to bring a dish. 
. Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served.
Watch your table manners!
. Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. 
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right. 
. Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating.

Business Etiquette and Customs in Australia

Relationships & Communication

Australians are very matter of fact when it comes to business so do not need long- standing personal relationships before they do business with people. 
. Australians are very direct in the way they communicate.
. There is often an element of humour, often self-deprecating, in their speech. 
. Aussies often use colourful language that would be unthinkable in other countries.
Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are necessary and relatively easy to schedule. 
. They should be made with as much lead time as possible. 
. Punctuality is important in business situations. It is better to arrive a few minutes early than to keep someone waiting. 
. Meetings are generally relaxed; however, they are serious events. 
. If an Australian takes exception to something that you say, they will tell you so. 
. If you make a presentation, avoid hype, making exaggerated claims, or bells and whistles. 
. Present your business case with facts and figures. Emotions and feelings are not important in the Australian business climate.
Negotiating and Decision Making
. Australians get down to business quickly with a minimum amount of small talk. 
. They are quite direct and expect the same in return. They appreciate brevity and are not impressed by too much detail. 
. Negotiations proceed quickly. Bargaining is not customary. They will expect your initial proposal to have only a small margin for negotiation. 
. They do not like high-pressure techniques. 
. Decision-making is concentrated at the top of the company, although decisions are made after consultation with subordinates, which can make decision making slow and protracted.
What to wear?
. Business dress is conservative in Melbourne and Sydney. 
. Men should wear a dark coloured, conservative business suit. 
. Women should wear a smart dress or a business suit. 
. In Brisbane or other tropical areas, depending on the job function and company culture, men may wear shirts, ties and Bermuda shorts.
Business Cards
. Business cards are exchanged at the initial introduction without formal ritual. 
. If you are not given a business card, it is not an insult; the person simply may not have one.

2 comments:

  1. This article is very interesting and helpful. Thank you for sharing! Don’t forget to have a good tax planning to avoid you from having any business trouble in the future.


    Small Business Tax

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