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

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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

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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>.