Business with Australians: Demystifying Their Unique Approach to Hospitality and Dining

Australian Business Manners

Australian business etiquette that respects and embodies the word equality.

Knowing Australian business etiquette will help you conduct business more smoothly.

Here we introduce Australian business etiquette that can be used without rudeness.

What are Australian values and mateship?

This idea of “mateship” is important to Australian business style.

Mateship, meaning friendship, loyalty, and equality, is intrinsic to Australian culture.

Although “mateship” is typically applied to friends, this value usually permeates the employee-leader relationship, resulting in a more collaborative and relaxed work style.

In the Australian workplace, an egalitarian society, hierarchical relationships are not emphasized.

Everyone is on a first-name basis, many supervisors are open, and subordinates are easily comminicated.

This egalitarian approach gives employees a voice in the workplace and results in a more relaxed management and communication style.

This derives from the egalitarian concept of “mateship.

It is from this value of mateship that the Australian business style is so relaxed.

Punctuality and efficiency

Australians are said to be a bit loose with time compared to the Japanese.

However, in business situations, time is more precise than one might think.

Punctuality is important, especially in the first meeting, as being late can have a significant negative impact.

However, it is said that the mainstream is usually about 15 minutes late for a private or after-work rendezvous, so be tolerant if the other party is late.

And it is said that Australians are characterized by a great love of efficiency.

However, in Australian business culture, it is common for top management to consult with subordinates.

Because of this very collaborative nature, decision-making can be slower than usual and projects can take longer, but basically Australians are expected to be efficient and punctual.

Everything is straightforward.

Avoid vague expressions and preamble about business dealings with Australians and the main subject, and be less habitual and straightforward in your negotiations.

We often dislike roundabout phrases and exchanges that are far-fetched, so we keep everything straightforward.

We often exchange frank opinions at meetings, so don’t think, “I was personally blamed…” Do not think, “I am personally blamed….

They are also said to have little fear of discussion, and they openly share their opinions.

The general stance is that work is just work.

When working with Australians, be cooperative and assert your opinions, but be humble!

Call them by their first name, not their last.

From quite early on in the business world, Australians address each other by first names or nicknames rather than family names.

However, at the first meeting, we call each other Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Sir followed by our last name, but quite early on, we call each other by first names or nicknames across positions.

From a Japanese point of view, it is very difficult to know when to switch from surname to first name when calling a business partner, but we recommend that you make a decision based on the situation.

Politicians, doctors, lawyers, and professors are not called “sir,” and first names are so common that people call them by their first names.

So they feel how cold it is to call them by their last name forever….

Be sure to call Australians by their first names to deepen your familiarity with them.

Bragging is taboo.

One concept that is very important to Australians is the word “equality.

Perhaps that is why, although self-promotion is important, topics such as “boasting” and “exaggeration” are quite taboo.

Of course, as in any country, especially among Australians, “little boastful” talk about education, income, status, etc. is quite frowned upon, so refrain from it.

How sensitive they are, so much so that they refrain from promoting their job title even when introducing themselves. This is because it could be perceived as boasting.

They will find out their positions and titles after they start working together.

There is no idea that titles or positions are important, and the general perception is that what is important is each person’s ability and daily conduct to earn recognition no matter what position they hold.

Australians are also discouraged from responding to others differently depending on their title or other factors.

So, when welcoming guests, let’s take care to treat them well, no matter what their title is.

See also: Cultural Atlas, ” Business Culture.

How Australians communicate in business

It is said that there is no hospitality in Australia.

So what exactly is the method of business communication?

Here is some information about Australians and the culture of hospitality.

There is no graft in Australia.

In the Australian business scene, there is no business entertainment.

It is important to note that having a dinner or drinking party with a business partner during a transaction can be perceived as a bribe.

Even if they did spend dinner together, it is said that it would have no effect on their work.

Since entertainment and dinners do not fall under any expenses, it is normal for any company not to organize an occasion called entertainment.

If you are dining together for a business lunch or dinner, you will most likely pay the bill separately.

The same is true for gifts; a gift from a business partner with whom you do not have a private relationship will be perceived as a bribe.

So, be aware that they may refuse to receive it, and the relationship may deteriorate afterwards.

However, foreigners may casually present small souvenirs from their own country, so it is a good idea to prepare a small, tasteful gift for the first meeting.

See also: ” Top 5 Australian Business Culture You Need to Know When Working in Australia “

coffee break

In Australia, coffee is an important business point.

It’s more casual, and the daily coffee break is an important time for people all over the world.

Catching up or having a quick meeting over coffee at a local cafe is more common in Australia than a business lunch meeting.

In Australia, coffee is seen as more social than just a means of energy.

It is important to note, however, that just because you meet over coffee and have a nice chat and a good time does not necessarily mean that you will ultimately do business together.

This may confuse non-Australians….

When Australians go out for a drink

Australians generally do not talk about work after work when they go out for a drink or dinner, although the conversation may turn to work.

In Australia, after work, colleagues buy each other beer, known as “shout”.

It is the same culture as “Round” in England, but you pay in order, so you always buy a drink when it is your turn.

Note that if it is your turn to pay and you do not buy a drink, it will be quite awkward.

And at business events held after working hours, alcohol is typically served.

If you do not wish to, you will not be obligated to drink alcohol, and you can refuse if you cannot drink.

Dinners are only held after the contract is signed.

Australian business is not known for bringing personal friendliness to work.

If you must entertain Australian business partners, it is usually after the work is done, such as after a contract has been signed or a project has been successfully completed.

If you ask them to have dinner with you after the project is completed, avoid taking them to a restaurant that is too expensive, as you will most likely have to split the bill.

Basically, the person who invites you to a restaurant will often offer to pay for the restaurant bill, but among friends and associates, you pay for your own portion.

In Japan, you should feel like choosing a nice izakaya (Japanese-style pub), a good Japanese restaurant, or some other kind of restaurant that you would go to with other Japanese colleagues.

Recommended Related Articles; 17 Tokyo Restaurants and Izakayas for Entertaining Foreigners

Gift Culture in Australia

In Australian business culture, it is not customary to give gifts, but gifts are greatly appreciated.

It is important that the gift not be perceived as an attempt at bribery.

For example, a gift given while waiting for a partner to make a decision would be considered inappropriate.

On the other hand, gifts given at the conclusion of a deal or negotiation are considered congratulatory.

Gifts to employees of government organizations may be allowed only if the amount is low and must be declared in advance to the Human Resources or Finance departments.

When giving a gift to an Australian, give it at the right time, like this!

See Polyglot, ” 8 Things You Should Know About Australia’s Business Culture.”

Dislike any sound coming out of the mouth or nose in any way.

This is not business etiquette, but it is important etiquette, so I will introduce it here.

In most countries, it is bad manners to make such physiological phenomena as burping and sniffing in front of others, but Australians are particularly averse to these sounds coming from the mouth and nose.

Australians are so sensitive to the sounds that come out of their mouths that they are said to be the most surprised by the Japanese way of eating noodles.

Never burp, cough loudly, or make sniffling noises in front of Australians.

So be sure to bite your nose, even if it makes a loud noise. They really don’t like it when you sip!

Japan Tourism Trends Preferred by Australians

So, what are the trends of Australians when it comes to sightseeing in Japan?

It is designed to be a useful reference for showing Australians you have become personally acquainted with in Japan.

Australia’s Tourist Season

The tourist season for Australians is from December to February, so if you are coming to Japan on business, the best time to visit is from March to November.

In particular, since summer in Australia corresponds to winter in Japan, many Australians come to Japan to enjoy the Japanese winter.

Since the northern and southern hemispheres are in the opposite seasons, it is also important to take into consideration the timing of your visit to Japan in order to facilitate business.

Consumption of things is definitely more important than consumption of goods

Many Australian tourists tend to make their own travel arrangements and travel around Japan in search of things that are uniquely Japanese.

They are less interested in shopping and are more interested in “kotoconsumption,” which is popular for experience-based tourism.

Japanese cultural experience is a type of tourism that allows foreign visitors to Japan to directly experience Japanese culture.

There are a wide variety of experiences, ranging from those that combine sightseeing with Japanese culture, such as walking around town in a kimono, to workshop-type experiences such as sushi making and geisha experience.

Most of the tours take about one hour, making them popular and easy to incorporate into sightseeing schedules.

From this perspective, I would recommend a Japanese cultural experience that allows you to experience Japan for Australian entertainment.

Popular for tours throughout Japan

Australian tourists tend to be more independent travelers.

Many people visit tourist destinations throughout Japan, freely arranging their travel schedules to visit their favorite lands rather than in groups.

The tendency is also to plan picture trips based on well-sourced information rather than unstable information that the other party does not understand.

So if you have an Australian acquaintance or business partner who is thinking of visiting Japan! If you are thinking of visiting Japan, we would be happy to provide them with our recommendations.

Reference: INBOUND INSIGHT Comprehensive Support Service for Inbound Measures ” Focusing on ‘Unique to Japan’! Characteristics of Australians visiting Japan revealed by data ” (Japanese only)

Daily necessities are popular for shopping

The shopping trend among Australians in Japan tends to be for daily necessities.

Convenience stores, hundred-yen stores, drugstores, and other stores that Japanese people use on a daily basis are popular.

Cosmetics, health items, snacks, and 100-yen convenience items are also popular among shoppers.

So, if you are considering a casual souvenir for Australians, they would be pleased to receive something they have used and found useful or a tasty snack.

Also, since people tend to prefer things that give them a sense of “Japanese culture,” traditional handicrafts that are full of Japaneseness and Japanese-style souvenirs that impress them with their craftsmanship are also good.

Once you get to know Australians well, be sure to bring them good Japanese products as souvenirs!

Reference: Reference site: Visit Japan Lab ” Australian tourists visiting Japan as understood by data “.

Japanese cultural experiences for special Australian guests

Although Australians do not have a hospitality culture, there are occasions when we entertain important guests when they come to Japan.

There are also many occasions when we can arrange Japanese cultural experiences for Australians, such as project success celebrations, training, team building, etc.

Here we introduce a Japanese cultural experience that is perfect for such situations and especially appreciated by Australians.

Tokyo Travel Guide

Australians are said to be a people who feel very comfortable on an equal footing.

Therefore, the best thing to do is to give them a tour of Japan.

By spending time together, seeing, hearing, and being moved by the same things, it creates time to understand each other better and build a trusting partnership.

Of course, try to split the cost or alternately buy each other a drink.

The more equal the fellowship, the more intimate the relationship will be.

Tokyo has many eating spots where you can easily stroll around and enjoy delicious food.

So it will be a very perfect project for slowing down and getting to know each other.

Related articles：Tokyo Sightseeing for Entertaining Foreigners! Recommended Spots by Area

Japanese Dance Experience

Nihon Buyo is a Japanese dance form that was born from the roots of Kabuki and Noh, which are the beauty of the gesture of wearing a kimono.

I recommend this Japanese dance experience to Australians.

In the Japanese dance experience, you will actually learn how to dance from a Japanese dance master.

You will actually wear a fan and kimono (yukata in the experience) to the sounds of Japanese instruments and practice in a Japanese-style room, so you can experience Japanese culture in its entirety.

We can guide you through a Japanese cultural experience that specializes in Japaneseness for an unforgettable time.

Recommended related articles: Japanese Dance and Kimono Dressing Experience that Foreigners Enjoy｜Examples of Japanese Traditional Culture Kimono Hospitality [Very Popular!

Sushi Workshop

The Sushi Workshop is an experience where sushi is actually made by a foreigner.

Learn how to make sushi from a real sushi chef.

It is one of the most popular Japanese cultural experiences among foreigners, as they also wear Itamae (chef) costumes and make sushi in an authentic manner.

Australians, like many other foreigners, want to try delicious sushi in Japan, so they are quite impressed with the idea of actually making their own sushi.

It is also recommended that the program can be crossed with lunch and dinner hours, making it easy to adjust schedules.

We are sure that you would be pleased with a dinner project that is not an over-the-top entertainment, but rather something you can enjoy.

Let’s watch the timing of the project and nigiri the delicious sushi!

Ninja Entertainment

For fun-loving Australians, ninja entertainment is also recommended.

Ninja Entertainment offers acrobatic shows by descendants of real ninja.

These are perfect for large parties, receptions, successful project celebrations, and other glamorous occasions.

You never know where the ninjas will come out of the venue! The audience will be excited by the realistic and authentic shows such as battles between ninjas and samurai.

Recommended Related Articles: [Explaining the Ninja in English] 5 Recommended NINJA Experiences

Sake Brewery Experience

Many Australians still prefer wine and beer.

Sake and wine are similar in terms of production methods and regional characteristics, and many Australians prefer sake.

If there is one sake experience that can only be had in Japan, it would have to be a sake brewery tour.

Visitors will actually visit a long-established sake brewery with a taste and atmosphere, learn about the process of making delicious sake, and enjoy freshly brewed sake.

Such a special experience will be an unforgettable time.

Also popular with groups are parties in which the sake brewery is rented out.

It will be a great project for celebrations, success parties, and other festive occasions.

Recommended Related Articles: How to Enjoy Sake with Foreigners | Sake Brewery Experience in Simple English

Team building and training in Japanese cultural experiences

Team building with the keyword “Japanese cultural experience” is attracting attention from many foreign companies.

The reason for this is that much of Japanese culture has a deep philosophy, and there is an aspect of learning thought through one’s actions.

Team building is to train the entire team to incorporate the same thing so that the team can be more effective in business situations.

By incorporating Japanese culture into this experience, we are able to offer a unique and special experience.

The content is diverse, including flower arrangement, tea ceremony, martial arts, sushi, taiko drumming, etc. Team building can be planned from the perspective of Japanese culture that is relevant to the team and business content.

This is a perfect project for when entertaining is difficult, but you still want to strengthen teamwork.

Recommended Related Articles: Japanese Culture｜6 Training and Team Building Recommendations for Foreigners: Flower Arrangement, Tea Ceremony, Karate, Sumo, Sushi, and Taiko!

summary

It is said that the most important thing in doing business with Australians is a smile and a clear greeting.

Equality” and “humility” are the key words that characterize the Australian people.

In doing business with Australians, who are very pleasant people who create trust based solely on their work and ability, there may not be many situations of entertainment to make the project run smoothly.

But a project that you can get excited about together after a successful project will enhance the time spent.