BUSINESS IN... Australia
The Down Under W
Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey shares her tips on how to fit in with the local business culture
ith Australians being known for their laid-back nature, it’s easy to assume that
business etiquette is equally relaxed, or to simply apply other Western conventions common in the US or Europe. And in many cases you’d be correct. Australian etiquette expert and founder of The Good Manners Company, Anna Musson, explains: “Because Australia was settled, after the indigenous Australians, by the British, we have adopted many of their customs as our own and humility is a big component. The essential overlaps are: Be humble,
speak well of others, don’t speak ill of the company you work for or your family, play down personal accomplishments – it is better for others to mention these than to be ‘talking yourself up’ as we say here; take it as a compliment if you are teased – this is how Australians show they like you. A sense of humour is essential.” At the same time, like every
country, Australians have particular customs that are worth being aware of to avoid causing (or suffering!) any offence. Given that the country is a booming business destination, recently voted 10th
in the world for “ease of doing business” and
fourth for “starting a business” in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Survey, it might not be long before your company’s future business travel plans include a trip to Oz. Conveniently, standard business etiquette does not differ much between states and territories of this country/continent, or indeed between Australia and New Zealand. But generally speaking, the attitudes and attire are a little more relaxed further north in the topics.
GREETINGS A firm and strong handshake
coupled with direct eye contact, for both men and women, is the
40 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015
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