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Australia - Culture, Customs and Etiquette (taken from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/australia.html )
Facts and
Statistics
Location: Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the
South Pacific Ocean
Capital: Canberra
Climate: Generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and
east; tropical in north
Population: 19,913,144 (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: Caucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other
1%
Religions: Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian
24.3%, non-Christian 11%, other 12.6%
Government: democratic, federal-state system recognizing the
British monarch as sovereign
Languages in Australia
English is the primary language used in Australia. Yet their colourful
vocabulary, accent, phonetics system and slang ('Strine') can take a lot of
getting used to. In 1788, there were about 250 separate Aboriginal languages
spoken in Australia, plus dialects. Today, only two thirds of these languages
survive and only 20 of them (eight per cent of the original 250) are still
strong enough to have chance of surviving well into the next century. In
addition to these there are also the languages of immigrants from Europe, the
Middle East and Asia.
Australian Society & Culture
Aussie Modesty
o Australians are very down to earth and always mindful of not giving the
impression that they think they are better than anyone else.
o They value authenticity, sincerity, and loathe pretentiousness.
o Australians prefer people who are modest, humble, self- deprecating and with
a sense of humour.
o They do not draw attention to their academic or other achievements and tend
to distrust people who do.
o They often downplay their own success, which may make them appear not to be
achievement-oriented.
Mates
o Australians place a high value on relationships.
o With a relatively small population, it is important to get along with
everyone, since you never know when your paths may cross again.
o 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
o The initial population of Australia was made up of Aborigines and people of
British and Irish descent.
o After World War II there was heavy migration from Europe, especially from
Greece, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia, Lebanon, and Turkey.
o This was in response to the Australian policy of proactively trying to
attract immigrants to boost the population and work force.
o In the last thirty years, Australia has liberalised its immigration policy
and opened its borders to South East Asia.
o 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
o Australians are not very formal so greetings are casual and relaxed.
o A handshake and smile suffices.
o While an Australian may say, 'G'day' or 'G'day, mate', this may sound
patronizing from a foreigner. o Visitors should simply say, 'Hello' or 'Hello,
how are you?'
o Aussies prefer to use first names, even at the initial meeting
Gift Giving Etiquette
o Small gifts are commonly exchanged with family members, close friends, and
neighbours on birthdays and Christmas.
o 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!
o 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.
o Gifts are opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
o Many invitations to an Aussies home will be for a 'barbie' (BBQ).
o 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!
o Arrive on time if invited to dinner; no more than 15 minutes late if invited
to a barbeque or a large party.
o Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to bring a dish.
o Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is
served.
Watch your table manners!
o Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife
in the right while eating.
o Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on
your plate with the handles facing to the right.
o Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating.
Business Etiquette and Customs in Australia
Relationships
& Communication
o 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.
o Australians are very direct in the way they communicate.
o There is often an element of humour, often self-deprecating, in their speech.
o Aussies often use colourful language that would be unthinkable in other
countries.
Business Meeting Etiquette
o Appointments are necessary and relatively easy to schedule.
o They should be made with as much lead time as possible.
o Punctuality is important in business situations. It is better to arrive a few
minutes early than to keep someone waiting.
o Meetings are generally relaxed; however, they are serious events.
o If an Australian takes exception to something that you say, they will tell
you so.
o If you make a presentation, avoid hype, making exaggerated claims, or bells
and whistles.
o Present your business case with facts and figures. Emotions and feelings are
not important in the Australian business climate.
Negotiating and Decision Making
o Australians get down to business quickly with a minimum amount of small talk.
o They are quite direct and expect the same in return. They appreciate brevity
and are not impressed by too much detail.
o Negotiations proceed quickly. Bargaining is not customary. They will expect
your initial proposal to have only a small margin for negotiation.
o They do not like high-pressure techniques.
o 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?
o Business dress is conservative in Melbourne and Sydney.
o Men should wear a dark coloured, conservative business suit.
o Women should wear a smart dress or a business suit.
o In Brisbane or other tropical areas, depending on the job function and
company culture, men may wear shirts, ties and Bermuda shorts.
Business Cards
o Business cards are exchanged at the initial introduction
without formal ritual.
o If you are not given a business card, it is not an insult; the person simply
may not have one.
Links and Resources about Australia
* Work Visas - Visa & immigration service for living and
working overseas > Australia Work
Visa.
* Currency - the currency of Australia is known as the
Australian Dollar (AUD). Use the free currency
converter to compare to dollars, GBP or Euro.
* Weather - visit Yahoo!'s up to date Weather for Australia.
* News - check out all the latest Google
news on Australia.
* Intercultural Know-how - use the Intercultural
Business Communication tool for tips on doing business in Australia.
* Dialling Code - the international dialling code for
Australia is +61.
* Management - for information about being a manager in Australia
visit the free Management
in Australia guide.
* Time - Australia is +10 hours GMT. Get the time in Australia
now.
* History - read about the long and rich past
of Australia at the DFAT.
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