International Business : Spotlight on Australia

Do

Be aware of the tension between management and workers. Trade unions are exceptionally strong in Australia. Foreign multinationals that own businesses in Australia may find that local management strongly resists direction from headquarters.

Be familiar with Australian slang. Although English is the official language, slang and the heavy Australian accent constitute a formidable challenge for foreigners. And hope nobody says your product is shonky . It means shoddy, of poor quality.

Bring a gift of flowers or candy if invited to someone’s home, or a bottle of wine if you’re going for dinner. Otherwise, gifts are not expected.

Wear traditional business attire in Sydney and Melbourne. Outside of these two cities, however, most business is conducted without jackets.

Expect jet lag, and remember the 18-hour time difference when calling back to the United States. The 14-15 hour flight from LAX is one of the longest nonstops.

Don’t

Refrain from references that might imply that Australia follows British government policies or that Australians emulate British tastes. In other words, go easy on references to the country’s ties to England.

Avoid discussing Australia’s beginnings as a penal colony. Although some Australians may boast of their convict forebears, play it safe and look to other topics of conversation.

Expect an Australian to pay scant attention to the protocol of organizational hierarchies. Further, Australians are friendly and informal. After initial introductions or correspondence, address them by their first names.

Avoid offering tips. They are not expected.

If a great deal of your business is conducted over drinks in local pubs, you shouldn’t be surprised. But be prepared to participate in local ritual--a “shout,” in which each person at the table takes a turn paying for drinks.

Sit in the front seat of a taxi if you’re a man traveling alone. The driver will feel insulted if you sit in the back seat.

A continuing push toward deregulation has spread across many industries, so don’t expect excessive regulation or high taxation. Non-residents generally pay only on income of Australian origin.

Times staff writer David Savage also contributed to this report.

Sources: Australian Tourist Commission; David L. James, “The Executive Guide to Asia-Pacific Communication;” TimeZone Management Consulting, and Price Waterhouse