Formal Written Report Assignment
Common Business Practices
Central Global Communications: Australia
Prepared for
Mr. Troy Jones
CGC Executive Engineering Supervisor
Canberra, Australia
Prepared by
Anonymous
CGC Engineering Supervisor
Canberra, Australia
December 4, 2013
Common Business Practices
2
Table of Contents
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 Purpose and Scope……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3 Background of the Problem ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 The Basics of Australian Business Culture………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Egalitarianism …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 Management….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Meetings………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 Communication………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5 Culture……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5 Works Cited……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
Common Business Practices
3
Introduction
This report will discuss proper business etiquette in Australia. If a supervisor in unfamiliar with the
business norms, it will be very difficult to be successful. When in a foreign country, one must adapt to
the environment around them. This concept is even more important to a supervisor, who must lead a
team in a new environment. It is imperative to learn the basic business etiquette of a country to earn
your employees respect, and have good communication in the workplace.
Purpose and Scope
To be a successful business, Central Global Communications strives to educate employees
about business etiquette all over the world. This report will focus on the common business
practices in Australia. CGC currently has numerous offices in the capital, Canberra, Australia. As
a supervisor, it is imperative that these common practices are learned and followed every day.
This will make for better communication and a successful business environment. Topics that
will be covered include hierarchy importance, management practices, communication,
meetings, and culture.
Background of the Problem
The previous Engineering manager at CGC in Canberra, Australia did not research proper business
etiquette for her new environment before taking her position. Her lack of preparation resulted in a poor
work environment for employees and horrible communication. The previous manager modified the new
environment instead of adapting and it created a very unsuccessful business.
As the new Engineering Supervisor of CGC in Canberra, Australia, creating a sound work environment is
a top priority. Communication must be restored and employees must know that their voices are heard.
Common Business Practices
4
The Basics of Australian Business Culture As a U.S. manager now working in Australia, these are the main points that need to be understood and
practiced daily.
Egalitarianism When working in Australia, remember that egalitarianism is a key concept (Doing Business in Australia).
Australians are “fairly non-hierarchical in their structure” and little attention is paid to a person’s title or
ranking (Doing Business in Australia). Unlike in American culture, Australians are not impressed by
boasting education or business credentials (Australia Business Etiquette & Culture). Pragmatism is seen
as a key attribute; getting the job completed quickly is more important than the niceties of protocol or
hierarchy (Doing Business in Australia).
Management In the egalitarian business setting, managers should not see themselves as superior to other employees;
they just have different roles (Doing Business in Australia). Managers typically want to be “one of the
boys” and treat the other employees as equal. It is very unusual for managers to only socialize with
other managers (Doing Business in Australia).
Meetings Meetings are generally relaxed; however, they are serious events (Australia - Culture, Customs and
Etiquitte). With that being said, punctuality is critical (Australia Business Etiquette & Culture). Australia is
a “post-planning” culture, meaning little preparation is done for meetings; being 'over-prepared' can
result in certain negative feelings towards those who have prepared in advance as they can be seen to
be trying to dictate and force their ideas on other people (Doing Business in Australia). In open
meetings, challenging the ideas of the boss is not seen as rude or disrespectful but the sign of a fully
committed, professional approach (Doing Business in Australia).
Common Business Practices
5
Communication Australians are not very formal so greetings are casual and relaxed; they prefer to use first names
(Australia - Culture, Customs and Etiquitte).They are very direct in the way they communicate (Australia
- Culture, Customs and Etiquitte). Opinions are respected and opinionated discussions are seen as
entertaining (Australia Business Etiquette & Culture). It is important to keep eye contact and be an
active listener during a conversation and throughout meetings (Business Events Australia). Australia is
one of the very few cultures in which humor is all pervasive in business situations; many Australians use
humor at times Americans would feel is inappropriate (Doing Business in Australia).
Culture Australia is a small market with a highly educated, affluent population which realizes the importance of
international trade (Doing Business in Australia). Australians are not discriminatory towards gender or
race, and anyone can have a management position (Doing Business in Australia).
Conclusion Central Global Communications has the potential to have a very successful office in Canberra, Australia.
These basic business practices will help any manager or supervisor not from Australia be successful. The
main point to remember is that Australia is an egalitarian business society. Although there is a manager
role, Australians do not use hierarchy in business and see managers as equals. Work as a team and
follow basic business etiquette, and CGC should have a very successful office in Canberra, Australia.
Common Business Practices
6
Works Cited Australia - Culture, Customs and Etiquitte. July 2004. 29 October 2013.
<http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/australia.html>.
Australia Business Etiquette & Culture. 2012. 29 October 2013.
<http://cyborlink.com/besite/australia.htm>.
Business Events Australia. n.d. 29 10 2013. <http://www.australia.com/businessevents/plan-your-
event/18989.aspx#Public Holidays>.
Doing Business in Australia. 2013. 5 December 2013. <http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Business-
in-Australia.html>.