Cultural Tips for Australia – including some valuable business travel tips for Australia!
Australians tend to be enthusiastic conversationalists and debaters. A wide range of topics are usually open to discussion. They also have a great sense of humor, so don’t leave yours at home!
Australians try not to draw too much attention to their academic qualifications, at least in public. People who make a lot of references to their education and other professional qualifications in conversation may be subject to teasing.
Cynicism is part of the national character. It may be at times directed at people who seem egotistical or too wealthy and powerful.
Don’t boast about yourself or your company’s accomplishments. Instead, Australians will judge your competence and abilities through your actions.
Unlike some countries, Australians do appreciate sincere compliments a long as they are not exaggerated or overly exuberant.
Keep in mind, Australians may like to poke fun at or criticize themselves, but they are not as receptive to criticism from others.
Australians find strong discussions and opinionated conversation valuable and entertaining, so don’t hesitate to express your views if they are sincere and informed.
Australians are known to discuss religion, politics, and even the Australian government or other governments.
Australians are often difficult to impress, and even if you do manage to impress them, they may not openly admit it.
One of the best ways to develop relationships with Australians is to know the landmarks and something about the area of Australia you’re visiting.
Australians are very proud of their country, so learn something about their history, food, and culture in advance.
The beauty of their cities, local sites, gardens, coastlines (the Gold Coast is famous), and the Outback (if you get a chance to visit) are all good topics for rapport building.
In Australia, there is great respect and empathy for the “underdog”, so the “top dog” approach is never the best way to accomplish anything.
The work environment in Australian business culture tends to be collaborative with considerable research and discussion by everyone involved.
Before a decision is made, top management will consult with their subordinates and their input will be given careful consideration.
Australians generally dislike aggressive sales techniques, so a factual, streamlined approach that allows for plenty of questions and discovery is best.
Since Australians value directness, presentations of any kind should be straightforward with an emphasis on both the positive and negative outcomes. Don’t attempt to coverup or hide anything.
Negotiations should always be well prepared because options will be thoroughly discussed at all levels. It’s important not to rush this process.
Decision-making tends to be slower than in some western countries, so be patient and enjoy the process.
Australian hospitality tends to be somewhat informal, particularly when you are invited to a home.
Barbecues, affectionately known as, “barbies”, are a very popular form of entertainment.
5 Key Conversation or Cultural Gesture Tips
- Australian traditions and sports are always great topics.
- Your international travels to other countries is always of interest
- Australian food; restaurants, beer and wine. Australia has excellent food!
- Australian culture in general; theater, movies and the opera
- Point with your entire hand; pointing at someone with your index finger may be considered impolite.
5 Key Conversation or Cultural Gesture Taboos
- Avoid criticizing or joking about Australia, its culture and traditions, or other Australians, even if your Australian companions are doing so.
- Don’t discuss the ethnic relations as it relates to the history of the Aborigines
- Avoid talking too much about your education, professional experience, business success, and related achievements as it may be considered boosting.
- Australians are often distrustful of authority and of people who think that they are somehow “better” than others. Remain modest in conversation.
- If you are invited out for a drink, don’t bring up the subject of business unless your host does so first.
Bon Voyage!
Join us in the future for Do’s and Taboos for AUSTRIA!
To learn more about the Dos and Taboos for different cultures, and the cultural communication styles for Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East – order Gayle Cotton’s bestselling book available on Amazon as a Book, eBook, or Audio Book
Watch the ‘Say Anything-5 Keys’ Video
Create Rapport and Organize Strategies for Success
The CROSS of Cross-Cultural
Cultural Tips for Countries from A to Z
Cultural Tips for Australia – including some valuable business travel tips for Australia
This article on cultural differences in Australia and cultural travel tips for Australia is a brief snapshot of conversation guidelines for Australia, tips for communicating in Australia, and business strategies for Australia to help with understanding the culture in Australia. It’s important to keep in mind that as we homogenize as a ‘global culture,’ cultural tendencies change and evolve as well. Awareness is the first step when it comes to cultural Do’s and Taboos for Australia and tips for intercultural communication!
It’s easy for business travelers to think that even when they travel, business is going to be done pretty much the same way it is at home. But that’s not always the case. Cultural differences can have a significant impact on global business etiquette. That’s why it’s important for business travelers to make sure that they understand the culture of the country that they’re doing business in.
Emmy Award Winner, Gayle Cotton, is the author of this blog and of the bestselling cross-cultural communication book ‘SAY Anything to Anyone, Anywhere! 5 Keys to Successful Cross-Cultural Communication’, which is available on Amazon as a Book, eBook, or Audio Book. She is President of Circles Of Excellence Inc. and a Professional Keynote Speaker. Contact Gayle if you need professional speakers for events, speakers on cultural diversity, conference speakers for events, or keynote speakers that specialize in cross-cultural training. She is a leader in the field of public speakers, motivational speakers, and international keynote speakers. She is among the best of female keynote speakers and women motivational speakers and is a ‘first choice’ request for international audiences!
Circles Of Excellence provides Corporate Training, Leadership Coaching, and Professional Keynote Speakers for companies of all sizes and in all industries, including over 50 Fortune 500 companies. Contact us about our custom training programs for Communication Skills, Cross-Cultural Communication, Cultural Diversity, Customer Service, Leadership Coaching, Presentation Skills, Sales Negotiations, Stress Management, Team building, and Time Management Training.
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