Business Etiquette in Australia
Australia does business with countries such as China and the United States often, and the country's economy was ranked second on the United Nations 2009 Human Development Index. If you will be doing business in Australia soon, it's essential to know the basics of the somewhat relaxed business etiquette there so that you and your corporation will make the type of impression that results in a long-term business relationship.
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Professional Greetings
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In Australia, it is proper etiquette to shake hands both at the beginning and conclusion of a business meeting. Men use a firm handshake when greeting in professional situations; a nod of acknowledgment is appropriate in less formal settings, or once the men are familiar with each other. Women shake hands with each other in initial professional meetings, but may nod to in greeting or kiss on the cheek in subsequent meetings. Men and women usually shake hands with each other in formal and business scenarios.
Business Attire
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It is essential to arrive to business meetings and professional appointments clean and well-groomed. Men should wear a business suit in black or navy blue to an initial meeting. There are some offices that allow business casual clothing in Australia, meaning that men can wear slacks and a button-down shirt without a jacket, but it may be best to reserve this for following meetings. Women can wear skirt business suits, a pantsuit or a dress to an initial business meeting and to subsequent professional appointments. It is not proper etiquette to over-accessorize, and women should avoid clothing that is especially revealing.
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Punctuality and Business Meeetings
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Being on time is taken very seriously in Australia; it is even ideal for international professionals to arrive to a meeting about 15 minutes early. Getting to the meeting location early is also necessary if you wish to engage in small talk, which tends to be very short, as Australians usually get right the business matter after all parties have arrived. The initial meeting will generally be for the purpose of getting to the know the foreign professional; if the businessperson from another country is introduced by a reputable Australian representative, this will improve the foreign professional's reputation and make him more trustworthy.
Communication
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During the business meeting, Australian professionals will usually be very direct when discussing negotiation terms, expectations and benefits of a business deal. However, the conversation will still be good-humored, as the intent is not to offend or intimidate anyone. It is not proper etiquette for an individual to continue discussing his professional ranking or accomplishments--this is seen as one-upmanship, and is frowned upon in Australia. Negotiations usually do not take very long, and business presentations should be well put together (i.e., information that can be proven with facts and figures) with some room for give and take, so that a decision can be reached quickly. Bargaining and "hard selling" are not acceptable ways to negotiate in Australia.
Gift Giving
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It is not customary for professionals to exchange gifts in a business setting in Australia. However, if a foreign professional is invited to an Australian's home, it is always polite to present the host with gifts such as flowers or a book about the international colleague's home country. Chocolates are also an acceptable gift. While bringing a bottle of medium-quality wine is acceptable in some countries, Australia produces some of the world's best wine, so presenting a bottle to the host is best left to those who are skilled at selecting fine wines.
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- Photo Credit drapeau de l'australie image by Charly from Fotolia.com
