Tuesday, 24 December 2013
Doing Business in the Land Under
Here is the general rules of Aussie Culture, Etiquette and Customs. For anyone not from Australia. You can see what to expect if you do decide to come to Australia.
Aussie Modesty
Aussies are very down to earth
They are always mindful of not giving the impression that they think they are better than anyone else.
They value authenticity, sincerity, and loathe pretentiousness.
Aussies prefer people who are modest, humble, self- deprecating and with a sense of humor.
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
Aussies 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.
Meeting Etiquette
They 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 neighbors 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 humor, often self-deprecating, in their speech.
Aussies often use colorful 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 colored, 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.
If you like the information that has been presented, bookmark this page and the Texas Trade Report Blog in your favorites and send link to it to everyone you know. Blog about it on Facebook, Twitter it to friends and family. That is the way it unfolds.
Labels:
Aussie,
Aussie Culture,
Australia,
Australian,
Customs,
Etiquette,
Oz
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