Culture is a learned system of meanings that fosters a particular sense of shared identity-hood and

community-hood among its group members. It is a complex frame of reference that consists of a pattern of
traditions, beliefs, values, norms, symbols, and meanings that are shared to varying degrees by interacting
members of an identity group (Ting-Toomey & Takai, 2006, p. 691 in Oetzel, 2009)
According to Oetzel (2009;9), we are simultaneously members of multiple cultural groups, such as
national culture, religious culture, gender culture, media culture, social class culture, generation culture, which
overlap to varying degrees.

National Culture Communication Differences

Here are few examples of communication patterns according to nationalities:

Australia

 Australians tend to put directness before diplomacy and therefore can be considered quite blunt
on occasions-especially by people from those cultures in which the majority are wary of
speaking plainly for fear of creating a negative emotional impact upon the people they are
talking to. Directness is cherished in Australia and failure to say what you mean and mean what
you say can be mistaken for evasiveness and even hypocrisy.
 It is important not to be too self-promotional when presenting to Australians. A hard sell
approach can be misconstrued as bragging and can provoke a very negative response.
Remember that people do not like to make out that they are better than others- the same
probably applies to products and services. A factual description of issues will be far better
received than a more hyperbolic approach.
 Australia is one of the very few cultures in which humor is all pervasive in business situations.
Neve underestimate an Australian senior manager because he or she uses humor at what you
might feel to be an inappropriate time.
 First names are invariably used in all business situations in Australia. It would be vey unusual to
call a business contact by their surname. Similarly, educational titles play relatively little part in
business situations (other than in the medical or academic worlds)
More Australian Etiquette & Customs

 Australians are not very formal, so greetings are casual and relaxed.
 A handshake and smile suffice
 While an Australian may say, ‘G’day’ or ‘G’ day’, mate’, this may sound patronizing from a
foreigner.
 Visitors should simply say, ‘Hello’ or ‘Hello, how are you?’
 Aussies prefer to use first names, even at the initial meeting
Gift-giving Etiquette

 Small gifts are commonly exchanged with family members, close friends, and neighbors on
birthdays and Christmas.
 Trades people such as sanitation workers may be given a small amount of cash, or more likely,
a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer!
 If invited to someone’s home for dinner, it is polite to bring a box of chocolates or flowers to the
hostess. A good quality bottle of wine is always appreciated.
 Gifts are opened when received.
Dining Etiquette

 Many invitations to an Aussies home will be for a ‘barbie’ (BBQ)

 Guests to a barbeque typically bring wine or beer for their personal consumption. In some
cases, very informal barbecues may suggest that you bring your own meat!
 Arrive on time if invited to dinner; no more than 15 minutes late if invited to a barbeque or a
large party.
 Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like to bring a dish.
 Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served
 Table manners are Continental-hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while
eating.
  Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the
handles facing to the right.
 Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating.
Relationships and Communication

 Australians are vey matter of fact when it comes to business so do not need long-standing
personal relationships before they do business with people
 Australians are very direct in the way they communicate.
 There is often an element of humor, often self-deprecating, in their speech.
 Aussies often use colorful language that would be unthinkable in other countries
Business Meeting Etiquette

 Appointments are necessary and relatively easy to schedule.

 They should be made with as much lead time as possible.
 Punctuality is important in business situations. It is better to arrive a few minutes early than to
keep someone waiting.
 Meetings are generally relaxed; however, they are serious events.
 If an Australian takes exception to something that you say, they will tell you so.
 If you make presentation, avoid hype, making exaggerated claims, or bells and whistles.
 Present your business case with facts and figures. Emotions and feelings are not important in
the Australian business climate.
Negotiating and Decision Making

 Australians get down to business quickly with a minimum amount of small talk.
 They are quite direct and expect the same in return. They appreciate brevity and are not
impressed by too much detail.
 Negotiations proceed quickly. Bargaining is not customary. They will expect your initial proposal
to have only a small margin for negotiation.
 They do not like high-pressure techniques
 Decision-making is concentrated at the top of the company, although decisions are made after
consultation with subordinates, which can make decision making slow and protracted.
What to wear?

 Business dress is conservative in Melbourne and Sydney.

 Men should wear a dark-colored, conservative business suit.
 Women should wear a smart dress or business suit.
 In Brisbane, or other tropical areas, depending on the job function and company culture, men
may wear skirts, ties and Bermuda shorts.
Business Cards

 Business cards are exchanged at the initial introduction without formal ritual.
 If you are not given a business card, it is not an insult; the person simply may not have one.
(From Award Winning Culture Guides, Australia Guide, http://www.commisceo-global.com)
 MIDTERM PROJECT
Date of Role Play: March 22, 2023

Directions: Each group will research the country assigned to them. Make a role play concentrating on the
communication patterns: (Business meeting, Casual meeting with friends, Workplace, etc.) Each group are
given a maximum of 10 minutes each with costume depicting the countries assigned.

1. Group 1- Norway

2. Group 2-Iceland

3. Group 3-Germany

4. Group 4-South Korea

5. Group 5- Brazil

6. Group 6-Turkey