BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

As an extension of the wider culture, Australian business culture tends to be more casual than in other countries, with minimal social hierarchy between layers of management. Generally, Australian workers are quite comfortable speaking openly across all levels.

Australians do not tend to identify themselves with their job role or title and a person's status at work is not considered very important outside the workplace.

Traditionally, Australians claim to scorn ambition as part of the "Tall Poppies Syndrome", where people who rise above the rest are cut down and criticised. Proudly boasting about one's own achievements is popularly discouraged, although like all social stereotypes, this is not always true in practice.

It is customary to shake hands at the beginning and end of a meeting. People will look one another in the eye while shaking hands as a sign of trust. Business greetings usually proceed fairly rapidly to a first name basis and business cards are exchanged with little or no ceremony. An amount of small talk is expected to ensure friendly relations. However Australians tend to be very direct, say exactly what they mean and will admire this in others.

Business hours are usually 8.30am - 5.30pm with an hour for lunch, five days per week with four weeks annual leave per year.