queenschamber.org THIS IS QUEENSBOROUGH DOING BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA: BRIDGING THE CULTURAL DIVIDE WITH OUR FRIENDS DOWN UNDER By Joshua Bienstock Australia is the sixth largest country in the world in land mass (2.97 million square miles) and has a population of approximately 23 million citizens. Its Capital is situated in Canberra. While Australia has a Western culture derived primarily from Britain, it has been dramatically influenced by its indigenous population of Aboriginal, 4 Torres Strait Islander and other Oceanian people whose ancestors inhabited Australia thousands of years ago living a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. The boomerang and didgeridoo, which were invented by Aborigines, are to this day iconic symbols of the country. Australia’s tourist attractions include Ayers Rock, a massive sandstone monolith located in Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park, and the Great Barrier Reef. The country has the largest variety of unique animals, including 60 species of kangaroos, quokka, koalas and platypus and one million camels. Of course Australia is known for its sheep population of over 150 million, which translates into eight sheep for every person. Residents joke that there are more ways to die in Australia than any other country in the world. The country boasts a wide array of venomous creatures ranging from spiders, ten of the most venomous snakes in the world, sharks, blue ring octopus, the stone fish, funnel web spider and salt water crocodiles. Yet, the box jellyfish causes more deaths per year than sharks, snakes and crocodiles combined. Australia is a significant exporter of natural resources, energy, and food. Its abundant and diverse natural resources attract high levels of foreign investment and include extensive reserves of coal, iron, copper, gold, natural gas, uranium, and renewable energy sources. It also has a vibrant wine industry featuring many great varieties, perhaps most notably Shiraz. Australia is an open market with minimal restrictions on imports of goods and ser-vices. It plays an active role in the World Trade Organization, APEC, the G20, and other trade forums. Its service sector is the primary part of the Australian econo-my, accounting for approximately 70% of the GDP and 75% of all jobs. Australia’s solid banking system was responsible for minimizing the impact of the 2008- 09 global financial crisis, and its economy was relatively unaffected. Australia’s market economy is one of the strongest the world, exhibiting high-growth, low-inflation and low interest rates. Australians are generally laid back, open, direct and down-to-earth. They say what they mean and are generally more outgoing than many other cultures. Australians are humble and self-deprecating with a great sense of humor, and they abhor the pretentiousness of flaunting academic titles and boasting about achievements. Nevertheless, the standard business dress code is conservative; for men a black or navy suit with a white shirt and tie is appropriate, and women should wear a skirt or trouser suit with a white blouse. Australians place a high value on relationships. Its residents value the concept of “getting along with each other.” To no surprise, this value translates into a negotiating style where they strive for win-win outcomes that preserve relationships and promote future business deals. Consider the following tips on more effectively negotiating with our Australian business partners: INTRODUCTIONS AND GREETINGS • Greetings are casual and relaxed. A handshake and smile suffices. • Business cards are exchanged at the initial introduction without formal ritual. • While an Australian may say, “G'day” or “G'day, mate,” this will sound patronizing from a foreigner. Visitors should simply say, ”Hello” or “Hello, how are you?” • First names should be used, even at the initial meeting. GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS • After very brief small talk, your Australian colleague is ready to get down to business. Get to the point and modestly present just the facts. • Avoid the “hard sell;” it will be considered offensive. • Decision making can be a slower process than what you are used to, as the business culture in Australia is collaborative. Be patient. • One positive aspect of negotiations is that because your Australian colleague is not afraid to say “no,” you will be sure to know where you stand! Being mindful of the cultural norms of Australia and embracing their very casual and collaborative negotiating style will facilitate successful results. Future articles will focus on how to effectively negotiate around the world. Next month we will explore “Doing Business in Egypt.” Future articles will focus on Russia, Kenya, Switzerland, Columbia and other critical international business partners. There will also be a future article advising our international business partners on the cultural nuances of doing business in the United States. Joshua E. Bienstock is the Director of the Dispute Resolution Institute of New York (“DRINY”), a not for profit educational institute dedicated to promoting conflict resolution at the workplace. He also serves as an Assistant Professor of Business Law at New York Institute of Technology’s School of Management. He has also served as a guest Lecturer at Cornell and CUNY as well at several Chinese Universities, Business Organizations, NGOs and Law Firms on the subject of Negotiations and Conflict Resolution. Contact Information: Joshua E. Bienstock, Esq. 917-854-6403 [email protected] MARCH 30, 2017 in partnership with Energy Tech Networking Fair Please join us to network with other local and Queens businesses, learn about Energy Tech and how you can get involved, and informally talk with students about your business, field, and career. Interested businesses can host students for a work site tour or job shadow, DATE speak to a class, offer a paid internship, and more. Thursday, March 30 2017 TIME 8:30am - 10:15am LOCATION 36-41 28th St Long Island City, NY 11106 (IS 204 Oliver Wendell Holmes campus) Closest subway is 36 Av N/W; Also accessible via the E, M, R, & 7 trains AGENDA 8:30am - 9:15am Business Community Breakfast Presenter Table Set Up 9:15am - 10:15am Networking Fair with Students Getting involved with Energy Tech will allow you to: • Build a diverse recruitment pipeline of well-trained and highly qualified candidates • Promote your industry and business to young people, the future of the workforce • Meet corporate philanthropy or social responsibility goals • Mentor youth ages 14-20 Register today: http://bit.ly/queensenergytech For more information: Email [email protected]
QB032017
To see the actual publication please follow the link above