Business and Social Etiquette 101: A Look Down Under

Australia is the only "continent country" in this world. It has six states and two territories, with New South Wales (NSW) as the most populated state. The country also has three time zones, Eastern, Central, and Western. A country that originated from British rule, Aussies today, still pay respects to their Queen. Indeed, visitors can find many similarities between Britain and Australia, with perhaps a more relaxed atmosphere in the land down under. This Westernized country was comprised of Aborigines, British and Irish people. After World War II, a huge Western European population immigrated to Australia. Then in the 1970's, more immigrants arrived from South-East Asia. Thus, Australia today, has a more heterogeneous population.

Australia, located in the Southern hemisphere, is on the other side of the world. They do things differently down under. Christmas is in the summer season. And the school year starts in January (like Britain). Aside from their national holidays listed below, salaried Australian workers enjoy four weeks vacation. Their holidays are the following:

January 1: New Years' Day; January 26: Australia Day, first landing in Australia in 1788; Easter: same as America; April 25: ANZAC Day, much like U.S.'s Memorial Day; Second Monday in June: Queen's birthday holiday; First Tuesday in November: Melbourne Cup Day (celebrated in Victoria only); December 25: Christmas Day; and December 26: Boxing Day.

Individual states have much say in their holidays. Labour Day is observed on different dates by different States. And some states have additional holidays that are not listed in this article. As individual states choose whether or not to celebrate the holiday, Western Australia, does not observe the Queen's birthday, but rather observes Foundation Day, which is a week earlier. Expect stores to close on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day and Christmas Day.

Australians are very friendly people who are easy-going and sociable. They value humbleness and modesty, as they tend to downplay their success and academic achievements. In this causal atmosphere, people refer to each other on a first name basis, even at their first meeting. A friendly "G-day mate" or a "hello" with a handshake will do. There is no need to be formal. Also, in this laid-back country, it is very likely that one could be invited to a "barbie" or barbeque at someone's home. Note that you might have to bring your own beer or wine for personal consumption. Sometimes, you may be expected to bring your own meat!

Aussies have the same table manners as the ones in America. They eat with forks and knives and ask to be "excused" when they have to leave the table. Putting one's elbows on the table is frowned upon as well. When done with dinner, remember to put your fork and knife horizontally on your plate, with the handles on the right. This indicates that you are done with your meal.

The business culture down under is direct and to the point. There is no need to first build up a relationship or friendship with those who you want to do business. Be punctual to your meeting and remember that brevity is the key. Presentations should include facts, figures, and reliable statistics. You do not have to worry about fancy clip art, images, audio clips, and other insignificant details.