Australia’s
total population is just over 20 million with an average of 1.2%
growth per annum. The majority of this population is situated in
the eastern States of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
Australia originally occupied by indigenous people for over 40,000
years, was later settled by the British in the 18th Century. Australia
today is an increasingly diverse multicultural nation comprising
people from more then 170 races, with one of the World’s
best lifestyles.
Australia’s education system produces world-class graduates
in all disciplines (Each year, three times more engineers, six
times more scientists and nearly ten times more economics and
business management students graduate from Australian universities
than from Singapore’s and Hong Kong’s combined).
Around 42 per cent of Australia’s working age population
has a university degree, diploma or trade qualification.
Computer ownership is high and technology is embraced at levels
amongst the highest in the World.
Australia is a harmonious community which has benefited from
an active program of immigration over the last 50 years. One in
every 20 inhabitants is Asian-born and Chinese is set to overtake
Italian as the most commonly spoken language in Australia, other
than English.
There is a strong and enduring tradition of democracy in Australia
where rule of law and regulatory frameworks prevail.
Business Practice and Etiquette
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The average working week is from 9.00am to
5.30pm however most executives work longer hours.
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Australian business protocol and tradition
demands punctuality when attending meetings. It is important
to offer sufficient notice when arranging meetings.
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For initial greetings, last names preceded
by “Mr.”, “Mrs”, or “Ms”,
should be used; “Sir” is another term of respect.
Australians tend to quickly move on to a first-name basis, but
you should wait for them to initiate this transition.
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Among even relatively new acquaintances,
first names are used both in personal greetings and business
correspondence. Again, wait for an Australian to initiate the
move to a first-name basis.
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When using titles, follow the lead of others.
In Australia, professional or academic titles do not necessarily
command respect. It’s up to the individual to win the
favour and esteem of others.
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Professional titles are not prominent in
Australian business culture, and are sometimes dismissed as
pretentious. Consequently, do not go around “advertising”
your title. Announcing your title when meeting an Australian
may be perceived as a form of boasting.
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“Mate” is another popular term
of reference. It refers to anyone of one’s own sex, but
when used with the pronoun “my” (e.g. “my
mates”) it refers to one’s friends. Women also refer
to other women as “mate.
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Australians generally prefer direct direct
eye contact. People who avoid eye contact may not be perceived
as trustworthy.
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It is appropriate to present a business card
at an introduction.
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Before a meeting proceeds, there is usually
some preliminary “small talk”. Establishing rapport
is important in Australian business culture.
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Speak plainly and expect what you say to
be taken literally. In turn, interpret what Australians say
to you in the same direct manner.
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Often Australians will be initially trusting
of people they consider their equals.
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Australians are usually distrustful of authority
and of people who think that they are somehow “better”
than others. Remain modest at all times; in conversation, refrain
from drawing attention to your education, professional experience,
business success, and related achievements.
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Cynicism is an important part of the national
character. A great deal of cynicism is directed at people who
seem too wealthy or powerful. In this culture, there is greater
respect for the “underdog.”
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Australians generally dislike negotiating
and aggressive sales techniques. Since they value directness,
presentations of any kind should be straightforward, with an
emphasis on both the positive and negative outcomes.
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An overly enthusiastic or earnest presentation
that appears to be filled with exaggerated claims will only
cause the speaker to become an object of ridicule.
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Keep your presentation simple and “to-the-point,”
since digressions or excessive details will not be well-received
by an Australian audience.
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Modesty, casualness, and an air of nonchalance
are characteristic attitudes in Australian business culture.
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Australians tend to be receptive to new ideas.
Generally, they are analytical, conceptual thinkers.
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Established rules or laws usually take precedence
over one's feelings. During negotiations, company policy is
followed at all times.
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Empirical evidence and other facts are considered
the most valid forms of proof. Feelings of any kind are usually
regarded with suspicion, particularly for decision-making purposes.
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In presentations and conversation, Australians
are often receptive to sporting analogies.
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Australian businesspeople may emphasize
profit over market share.
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Refrain from discussing your personal life
during business negotiations.
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Generally, Australians do not like or trust
people who appear to give excessive praise. This behaviour sometimes
raises the suspicion that they are being set up to be embarrassed
or misled in some way. Moreover, Australians dislike being pressured
and will only resent the stress that accompanies high expectations.
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The work environment in Australian business
culture tends to be collaborative. Before a decision is made,
top management will consult subordinates and their input will
be given careful consideration. Consequently, decision-making
will be slow and protracted. It will be in your best interests
not to try to rush this process.
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Deadlines and producing results are the main
sources of anxiety in this culture.
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Decisions of any kind must be in accordance
with company policy.
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Australians do not find it difficult to answer
“no.”
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Informing against one's “mates”
is regarded with disgust in this culture.
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If you are teased, take it good-naturedly;
you may tease back in an affable, rather than mean-spirited,
manner.
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Australian women are still struggling for
increased salary and positions of authority. In the workplace,
men may not always treat women as equals.
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Work is sometimes perceived by Australians
as a “necessary evil.”
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Generally, gift-giving is not part of Australian
business culture. But, if you are invited to a home for dinner,
it's permissible to bring a token gift of flowers, chocolates,
a craft from your home region, or wine.
