Working in Australia - etiquette

Even though the Australian way of doing business has long been informed by British tradition, in recent years general business manner has shifted more towards a confident approach associated with Americans, as well as developing a distinctly home grown frankness.

The main rule is to stay relaxed and as informal as permitted. As in Britain, Australians shake hands at the beginning and closure of meetings. Firm but not fierce is a good general rule of thumb. Have plenty of business cards to hand if you are to be introduced to second party associates.

As Australia is a Commonwealth country many of its citizens will hold titles similar to those in the UK, but be aware of how the person you are meeting prefers to be addressed. Untitled persons should be addressed as Mr, Mrs, or Ms on first greeting.

Australians will soon adopt first name terms when talking to visitors. As a rule they abhor stiffness, so this friendly informality will also stretch into the small talk that will precede the meeting proper. It is common for Australian men to call each other ‘mate'.

There is a very strong sports culture in Australia therefore if you speak the language of sport and have some familiarity with cricket or rugby, you are often halfway to making a friend.

Work etiquette

Avoid long-winded job titles, they are simply not considered important, so avoid pinning one of these tags on yourself in the course of polite conversation. Your host will wonder what on earth you are trying to prove. Australians have a mindset that does not take well to perceived authority or anyone with pretensions of superiority. Australia's is a very even business environment where people are also quite frank and direct in their comments and criticisms, which may be meant earnestly but should be taken in good humour.

The Australian default condition is casual so aggressive sales pitch, or meandering negotiations can be met quite negatively. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Be modest, direct and to the point.

As in the UK, time is seen as valuable and irreplaceable commodity in Australia so book appointments well ahead and stick to them, arriving punctually and dressed smartly.

Most Australians sincerely believe that the have been born into the best country in the world, and during business and social meetings you may be reminded of this. Listen politely, nod encouragingly and try not to bring up the 2005 Ashes defeat too often. Australians, in general, don't encourage comparisons of their culture with that of the US.

Australians may not like authority but they stick to the letter of the law when it comes to business. Company policy is followed at all times. Decision making tend to be made more collaboratively, and therefore cannot be rushed.

Alcohol can be a key component in after business meetings, and everyone is expected to buy a round. Business should only be talked about in a social setting if initiated by your host. Always offer your guests drinks if entertaining. It is most often assumed that you will share the expense of any evening out.

Australian business people can often seem very direct, and use strong language to hammer home a point. This is not an invitation for you to do the same. If you are mystified by any slang words, politely ask your guests what they mean. And please avoid ever giving the thumbs up sign in Australia as it has rude connotations over there.

Traditionally the Australian culture especially in more remote areas has been seen as both brazen and macho. Vestiges of this still remain in the business culture of Australia.