Australian Business Negotiation Etiquette

Australia’s superior immigration policy attracts people from all over the world to move to this beautiful country. Australia is a country that pays attention to etiquette, such as clothing etiquette, deportment etiquette, meeting etiquette and so on. Below I have sorted out the etiquette for Australian business negotiations for everyone, I hope it can help you!

Make contact

Like the business-oriented culture of North America and Northern Europe, Australian businessmen It's usually happy to sign up with someone you don't understand. Introductions and intermediaries are usually unnecessary; direct contact can be made. Send a letter, fax, or email to introduce the company and product-related information, and then call to schedule an appointment.

Focus on business

Usually when Australians meet with an appointed guest for the first time, they start business negotiations after a brief greeting. While most Pacific Rim countries appreciate well-prepared and in-depth interviews, Sydney and Perth were not suitable. A few drinks in a pub can help you get to know each other better.

Communication

Australians are not as talkative and performative as Americans. American salesmen may be proud of their clear voices, however, Australians, on the contrary, believe that silence is golden. Australians are often reserved, and their homespun humor characterizes their sarcastic wit.

A typical cultural trait that confuses visitors is the argumentative nature of Australians. Negotiators who do not pay attention to objections should be fully prepared to face doubts bravely. Some Asian visitors who believe time comes first mistakenly interpret this as provocation or even hostility. Those who had negotiated with the French rarely misunderstood this confrontational behavior.

Australians are sometimes more direct than Germans and Dutch, not to mention Americans. Their candid and direct words may not realize that East and Southeast Asians find this offensive.

Informality and Equality

This is probably the only region in the world where merchants conduct business more informally than in Scandinavia, the Central and Western United States, and Western Canada. Australians believe many Americans are too focused on status differences based on education and your wealth and position in the corporate hierarchy.

Business visitors should try to avoid showing titles and performance to Australians. Any bragging and showing off will leave a negative impression. For example, Americans believe in "self-praising" and "being sharp", while Australians believe that "a high branch must be cut down". People who brag and show off their success are considered very annoying.

A great example of Australian egalitarianism is found in taxi etiquette. Sometimes it is also reflected in the case of Denmark, where a male passenger traveling alone should ride next to the male driver, which shows that he has no higher status than the driver in a hierarchical society. Women cannot sit in the front seat unless the driver is also a woman.

Let’s talk about gender issues. In contrast to Scandinavia, equality in Australia does not include women in business. Women should be fully prepared to be seen as slutty or arrogant.

Punctuality

There is no doubt that Australians have a stronger sense of time than South and Southeast Asians, but they are not as strong as Germans, Swiss, Americans and Japanese. Except in Sydney, the attitude towards time laziness is particularly noteworthy. Sure visitors expect meetings to be strictly on time, but few Australians will be upset if you're a few minutes late.

Productivity on this side of the world is slower than in New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore. Local businessmen would complain about foreigners trying to speed up work procedures.

Para-verbal and non-verbal communication

Australians have very different personalities, some are expressive and some are reticent, partly depending on their ethical background. Australians of Greek or Italian origin, for example, use more body language, speak louder or interrupt others more often than their counterparts from the UK, Iran and Northern Europe.

Distance between people

When conducting business negotiations with Northern Europeans, North Americans and East Asians, Australians usually stand and sit at arm's length from others. People are generally farther apart from each other than they are from ***, Southern Europeans, and Latin Americans.

Touch behavior

Australians have less physical contact than Latin and Mediterranean cultures, but more than East and Southeast Asia.

Eye Contact

When negotiating with an opponent, maintain eye contact across the table. Positive eye contact shows interest and sincerity.

Gestures

Australians typically use fewer and smaller gestures than Americans and Southern Europeans.

Taboo Gestures

Thumbs up is considered obscene. Turning your palms inward and extending your thumb and middle finger are also rude. It is also impolite to point your index finger at others. Use your whole hand to say hello. If you have a cold, try to avoid sniffing loudly. It's also rude to sniffle repeatedly. The best solution is to leave the room and work it out in private.

Queue Etiquette

Australians have inherited the British custom of queuing and waiting politely.

Business etiquette and etiquette

As people think, Australia is an informal culture and Australians are not very particular about etiquette. In business activities, men wear suits or jackets with ties, and often wear jackets in summer. Women wear suits, skirts or blouses.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory in Australia, but paying a small bill is still a popular way. Generally speaking, the small account is about ten percent of the total cost.

Taxes

There is no additional sales tax or service tax to be levied, the prices on the menu are all included.

Reservation

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, it is best to make a reservation in advance for lunch or dinner.

Seating

Generally speaking, after entering a restaurant, guests first wait at the door for the waiter to take you to a seat. In fast food restaurants and food stalls, you can find a seat by yourself first.

Smoking

Many Australians know that smoking is harmful to health, so few people smoke. Few people smoke in general stores, offices, restaurants and other public places. You see more women smoking on the road than men. One of the reasons is that they believe smoking can keep them slim. There are very few restaurants in Sydney that prohibit smoking. Some restaurants will have separate smoking and non-smoking areas. If you think this is important to you, please check first.

Clothing

Most restaurants in Sydney have no dress restrictions, but some restaurants require guests to wear ties and coats. It is best to check before making a reservation.

BYO

BYO means "bring your own wine" Bring YourOwn. Some restaurants have not applied for a license to sell alcohol, but they allow guests to bring their own alcohol. It is best to ask when making a reservation. .

Volume

No matter where you are, loud noises will always offend people. Perhaps the Chinese like to be lively and will always raise their voices unconsciously. In Australia, most people will just look at you in disgust at people who speak loudly. Some people with a bad temper will tell you to shut up. Maybe you will find it strange when the people behind you are laughing loudly at the Australians on the same train on the train. He is indifferent and uses foul language when speaking to you. As long as you don't really speak too loudly, don't pay attention to these people. Usually they are racist. If they continue to harass you, you can report it to the police on the train. There are intercoms near the door of each carriage to talk to the police.