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Do's
and Dont's
 Career
Abroad is the ideal guide to facts on work culture abroad. Do's
and don'ts on etiquette, work ethics and conversational pleasantries,
find them all here.
Australia
Greetings
•
While
using surnamesddressing people last names preceded by "Mr.",
"Mrs.", or "Ms." should be used.
•
"Sir"
is another term of respect. However, Australians tend to quickly
move on to a first-name basis.
•
Among
even relatively new acquaintances, first names are used both in
personal greetings and business correspondence.
•
Professional
titles are not prominent in Australian business culture, and are
sometimes dismissed as pretentious. Announcing your title when
meeting an Australian may be perceived as form pompousness.
•
A
handshake is the preferred greeting.
•
Men
refrain from being too physically demonstrative with women.
•
It
is customary to shake hands at the beginning and end of a meeting.
•
"G'day,
mate" (pronounced G’die mite) is a popular casual greeting,
particularly between individuals who have already established
a cordial acquaintance.
•
If
somebody asks you “How’re you going’? It implies
“How are you?”
•
When
speaking to an Australian, keep an arm's length distance from
the person. Maintaining personal space is important in this culture.
•
Maintain
an eye contact with them during a conversation.
•
Touching,
patting or hugging other men in public is considered socially
unacceptable.
•
Blowing
your nose in public is socially unacceptable.
•
Although
it is customary in this culture for men to sit in the front with
the taxi driver, this is not the case for women. A woman travelling
alone should sit in the back left passenger seat of the car; the
driver will be on the right.
Keeping
Appointments
•
Appointments
are relatively easy to schedule at all organisational levels.
However it would be better if you set up an appointment at least
one month in advance.
•
Australians
are very strict about punctuality.
•
Business
hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9:00
a.m. to noon, Saturday.
•
For
a business traveller, the best time to visit is from March through
November, as the tourist season begins from December through February.
•
Avoid
scheduling visits around Christmas and Easter, since many executives
will be on vacation during these periods.
Dressing up
•
Business
dressing is conservative.
•
Men
are generally dressed in a dark suit and tie, during summer, it
is appropriate not to wear a jacket.
•
Suits,
skirts and blouses, or business dresses are standard wear for
women.
•
Business
dress, however, may be more informal in very tropical climates
•
Australia
is in the Southern Hemisphere, and the season is opposite to the
ones we experience in India. Australia is a tropical country,
but weather conditions differ drastically.
•
Southern
Australia has warm summers and mild winters, so light clothing
is recommended. During winter it is advisable to wear warmer clothes
and rain gear is necessary.
Eating
•
"Afternoon
tea" is served around 4:00 p.m.
•
"Tea"
is the Australian term for "dinner", which is served
between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.
•
"Supper"
is the Australian term for a late-night snack.
•
If
you are invited out, it is the person who extends the invitation
who picks up the tab.
•
When
invited for a drink, do not approach the subject of business unless
your host does so.
•
When
hosting a dinner at a restaurant, you might have to bring your
own supply of alcohol, since some establishments may not have
liquor licenses. It is possible that your Australian guests will
likely be displeased if alcohol is not served with meals.
•
Beer
is usually the preferred beverage.
•
Australian
table manners and settings are similar to those in North America.
It is not considered impolite if you eat with your hands
•
Most
Australian dishes are similar to those from England and North
America. Meat pies are especially popular.
•
You
may be invited to a home, even after a relatively brief acquaintance.
•
Australian
hospitality tends to be very informal, particularly when you are
invited to a home.
•
You
will be encouraged to serve yourself, after being told where to
find the available food and drink. Hesitation will only cause
your hosts to feel annoyance, if only because they genuinely want
you to feel "at home."
•
It
is customary for guests to bring beer or a bottle of wine for
their hosts.
•
Barbecues,
affectionately known as " barbies," are a very popular
form of home entertaining. Guests will be required to dress casually
and engage in lively socialiszing.
•
Unannounced
visits are not part of Australian culture; always make it a point
to make a call before you wish to meet the people.
Gift Giving
•
Gift
– giving is generally not a part of Australian culture. However,
if you are invited for dinner, it's permissible to bring a token
gift of flowers, chocolates, or wine.
•
An illustrated
book from your home region can be another welcome gift.
•
A
preserved food product unique to your home region can also be
a good choice; preserves must be canned or bottled or they will
be confiscated by Australian customs.
•
Bear
in mind that your thoughtful choice is considered more important
than the actual cost of the gif
•
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