The island continent Australia is renowned for its wide variety of landscapes, including deserts, hills and mountains, tropical rainforests and densely-populated coastal strips with long beaches and coral reefs. It has always been a popular destination for migrants from all over the world and modern Australia is a multicultural and diverse country offering distinct social, cultural and economic advantages.
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Australia Today
Australia ranks as one of the best places to live in the world by all indices of income, human development, healthcare and civil rights.
Oriented towards its Asian neighbours, Australia is a member of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and aims to forge free trade deals with China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Its internationally competitive, advanced market economy offers great opportunities. When doing business with Australia, it is, however, crucial to gain an understanding of its underlying business and social culture.
Australian Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Egalitarianism – Australia has a very egalitarian culture where differences in status need no particular deference. Often referred to as the ‘tall poppy syndrome’, this creates a society that avoids differentiation between individuals or being a ‘tall poppy’ by standing out from the crowd. Instead, modesty, parity and mutual respect are preferred. Egalitarianism infiltrates all aspects of Australian life and is particularly prominent in the business sphere. Australians generally avoid drawing too much attention to their academic qualifications, personal achievements or business success, since this may be perceived as arrogance. Its influence can also be seen in the more down-to-earth approach to business that Australians adopt.
Openness – A highly valued aspect of Australian culture and well-known trait of the nation’s population is the open and direct manner in which daily life is conducted. Generally, Australians are literal and to the point in their communication, often voicing what might be perceived as strong and confrontational opinions. As a nation, they value directness and respect those who express their own views and beliefs. In a business context, you will find that your Australian counterparts are, on the whole, receptive to new ideas and encourage lively discussion or debate.
Individualism – This characteristic is prominent in the behaviour of many Australians and in the way they interact with other members of society. A common feature of individualism, which must be taken into consideration, is the importance of personal privacy and the segregation of the public and private life of individuals.
Doing Business in Australia
Aboriginal settlers were the first to migrate to the continent almost 50,000 years ago. In the seventeenth century the first Europeans began to explore the continent and Captain James Cook took possession under Great Britain in 1770. The Commonwealth of Australia, a united independent nation established in 1901, consists of six states and two territories. As a self-sufficient country, natural resources helped to rapidly develop the nation’s agricultural and manufacturing industries. In recent years, Australia has increased its economic focus and has become one of the most dominant and advanced market economies in the world with increasing demands from its trading partners.
Part 1 – Working in Australia: Working practices in Australia
Structure and hierarchy in Australian companies
Working relationships in Australia
Part 2 – Doing Business in Australia: Business practices in Australia
Australian Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO partake in some initial ‘small talk’ before a business meeting begins. Australians use this as a way of establishing rapport with their colleagues and is an important part of business etiquette.
DO keep a certain amount of distance when in conversation with your Australian counterparts. Personal space is highly valued in Australian culture.
DO maintain good, direct eye contact with your Australian colleagues during all business meetings and conversations as this helps to establish trust.
DON’T over exaggerate or boast about your company’s abilities or build up business information. Self-importance is not a favoured quality in Australian culture; therefore you should remain modest and unassuming at all times.
DON’T discuss aspects of your personal life during business negotiations. Privacy is an important element of everyday life in Australia.
DON’T use aggressive sales techniques whilst negotiating. Your Australian business colleagues will dislike being pressured and may be put off by this approach.
Australian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. If invited to an Australian’s home, it is good practice to take a small gift of chocolates, wine or flowers.
2. When meeting your Australian business associates for the first time, it is necessary to wait for a third party to introduce you.
3. The ‘V’ sign, (made with the index and middle fingers with the palm facing inward) is considered an insult in Australia and should be avoided.
4. Australians tend make judgments on your business competence based on actions as oppose to words.
5. The exchanging of business cards is not a common procedure amongst business professionals.
Australian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True. This is done out of courtesy, although it is not always expected.
2. False. It is quite acceptable for visitors to the country to introduce themselves.
3. True.
4. True. Empirical evidence and concrete facts have more value in Australian business culture.
5. False. It is appropriate to present your business card when initial introductions are made.
Australia Today
Australia ranks as one of the best places to live in the world by all indices of income, human development, healthcare and civil rights.
Oriented towards its Asian neighbours, Australia is a member of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and aims to forge free trade deals with China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Its internationally competitive, advanced market economy offers great opportunities. When doing business with Australia, it is, however, crucial to gain an understanding of its underlying business and social culture.
Australian Culture – Key Concepts and Values
Egalitarianism – Australia has a very egalitarian culture where differences in status need no particular deference. Often referred to as the ‘tall poppy syndrome’, this creates a society that avoids differentiation between individuals or being a ‘tall poppy’ by standing out from the crowd. Instead, modesty, parity and mutual respect are preferred. Egalitarianism infiltrates all aspects of Australian life and is particularly prominent in the business sphere. Australians generally avoid drawing too much attention to their academic qualifications, personal achievements or business success, since this may be perceived as arrogance. Its influence can also be seen in the more down-to-earth approach to business that Australians adopt.
Openness – A highly valued aspect of Australian culture and well-known trait of the nation’s population is the open and direct manner in which daily life is conducted. Generally, Australians are literal and to the point in their communication, often voicing what might be perceived as strong and confrontational opinions. As a nation, they value directness and respect those who express their own views and beliefs. In a business context, you will find that your Australian counterparts are, on the whole, receptive to new ideas and encourage lively discussion or debate.
Individualism – This characteristic is prominent in the behaviour of many Australians and in the way they interact with other members of society. A common feature of individualism, which must be taken into consideration, is the importance of personal privacy and the segregation of the public and private life of individuals.
Doing Business in Australia
Aboriginal settlers were the first to migrate to the continent almost 50,000 years ago. In the seventeenth century the first Europeans began to explore the continent and Captain James Cook took possession under Great Britain in 1770. The Commonwealth of Australia, a united independent nation established in 1901, consists of six states and two territories. As a self-sufficient country, natural resources helped to rapidly develop the nation’s agricultural and manufacturing industries. In recent years, Australia has increased its economic focus and has become one of the most dominant and advanced market economies in the world with increasing demands from its trading partners.
Part 1 – Working in Australia: Working practices in Australia
Structure and hierarchy in Australian companies
Working relationships in Australia
Part 2 – Doing Business in Australia: Business practices in Australia
Australian Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)
DO partake in some initial ‘small talk’ before a business meeting begins. Australians use this as a way of establishing rapport with their colleagues and is an important part of business etiquette.
DO keep a certain amount of distance when in conversation with your Australian counterparts. Personal space is highly valued in Australian culture.
DO maintain good, direct eye contact with your Australian colleagues during all business meetings and conversations as this helps to establish trust.
DON’T over exaggerate or boast about your company’s abilities or build up business information. Self-importance is not a favoured quality in Australian culture; therefore you should remain modest and unassuming at all times.
DON’T discuss aspects of your personal life during business negotiations. Privacy is an important element of everyday life in Australia.
DON’T use aggressive sales techniques whilst negotiating. Your Australian business colleagues will dislike being pressured and may be put off by this approach.
Australian Culture Quiz – True or False
1. If invited to an Australian’s home, it is good practice to take a small gift of chocolates, wine or flowers.
2. When meeting your Australian business associates for the first time, it is necessary to wait for a third party to introduce you.
3. The ‘V’ sign, (made with the index and middle fingers with the palm facing inward) is considered an insult in Australia and should be avoided.
4. Australians tend make judgments on your business competence based on actions as oppose to words.
5. The exchanging of business cards is not a common procedure amongst business professionals.
Australian Culture Quiz – Answers
1. True. This is done out of courtesy, although it is not always expected.
2. False. It is quite acceptable for visitors to the country to introduce themselves.
3. True.
4. True. Empirical evidence and concrete facts have more value in Australian business culture.
5. False. It is appropriate to present your business card when initial introductions are made.
