■Australian Society and Culture

◆ Aussie Modesty

◇Australians are pragmatic and always aware of not leaving the impression that they think they are better than anyone else.

◇They place emphasis on authenticity, sincerity, and dislike pretentiousness.

◇Australians appreciate people who are modest, humble, self- deprecating and humorous.

◇They do not pay attention to their academic or other achievements and tend to regard people who do as untrustworthy.

◇They often understate their own success, which may make them appear not to be achievement-oriented.

◆ Mates

Australians attach great importance to relationships. With a relatively small population, it is important to get on well with everyone, since you never know when your paths may cross again. This results in a win-win negotiating style, since having everyone leave with positive feelings is beneficial to promote future business dealings.

◆ A Multi cultural Society

The initial population of Australia consisted of Aborigines and people of British and Irish descent. After World War II a lot of people migrated to Australia from Europe, especially from Greece, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia, Lebanon, and Turkey. This responded to the Australian policy of proactively trying to attract immigrants to increase the population and work force.

In the last thirty years, Australia has liberalized its immigration policy and opened its borders to South East Asia,which has given rise to a real shift in self-perception as Aussies start to give a new definition of themselves as a multi-cultural and multi faith society rather than the old homogenous, white, Anglo- Saxon, Protestant nation.

■Australian Etiquette and Customs

◆ Meeting Etiquette

◇Australians are informal so greetings are casual and relaxed.

◇The common form of greetings is a handshake and smile.

◇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 first meeting.

◆ Gift Giving Etiquette

◇They commonly exchange small gifts with family members, close friends, and neighbors on birthdays and Christmas.

◇Trades-people such as sanitation workers may be sent a small amount of cash, or more likely, a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer!

◇If you are invited to someone’s home for dinner, it is polite to take a box of chocolates or flowers to the hostess. A good quality bottle of wine is always welcome.

◇Gifts are opened when received.

◆ Dining Etiquette

◇In many cases you are invited to an Aussies home for a “barbie” (BBQ).

◇Guests to a barbeque usually take wine or beer for their personal consumption. In some cases, very informal barbecues may advise that you bring your own meat!

◇Be punctual if invited to dinner; no more than 15 minutes late if you are invited to a barbeque or a large party.

◇Communicate with the hostess in advance to see if she would like you to bring a dish.

◇Help the hostess prepare or clear up after a meal is served.

◆ Table Manners

◇Table manners are Continental—the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right hand while dining.

◇Suggest you have finished eating by placing your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right.

◇Keep your elbows away from the table and your hands above the table when eating.

■Business Etiquette and Customs in Australia

◆ Relationships & Communication

◇Australians are very practical when doing business so do not need long-standing personal relationships before they conduct business with people.

◇In terms of communication style, Australians are very direct.

◇Their speech is often humorous and self-deprecating.

◇Aussies often use colorful language that would be incredible in other countries.

◆ Business Meeting Etiquette

◇Appointments are required and relatively easy to make.

◇They should be scheduled with as much lead time as possible.

◇Being punctual is important in business dealings. It is better to reach a few minutes early than to keep someone waiting.

◇Meetings are usually relaxed; however, they are serious events.

◇If an Australian is against something that you say, they will tell you directly.

◇If you make a presentation, refrain from hype, making exaggerated claims, or bells and whistles.

◇Demonstrate your business case with facts and figures. Emotions and feelings are not important in the Australian business situations.

◆ Negotiating and Decision-Making

◇Australians get down to business quickly with a minimal amount of small talk.

◇They are quite direct and expect the same in return. They appreciate briefness and too much detail has little impact on them.

◇Negotiations move ahead quickly. Haggling is not conventional. They will expect your first proposal to have only a small room for negotiation.

◇They do not like high-pressure tactics.

◇Decision-making is concentrated at the top of the company, although decisions are made after discussion with subordinates, which can make decision-making slow and prolonged.

◆ What to Wear?

◇Business attire is conservative in Melbourne and Sydney.

◇Men are expected to wear a dark-colored, conservative business suit.

◇It is proper for women to wear a smart dress or a business suit.

◇In Brisbane or other tropical areas, according to the job function and company culture, men may wear shirts, ties and Bermuda shorts.

◆ Business Cards

Exchange business cards at the first introduction without formal ritual. If you are not offered a business card, it is not an offence; the person simply may not have one.