Australian culture mainly comes from Western cultures such as the United Kingdom, and is also influenced by the different local ethnic groups and the unique geographical environment of the Australian continent. Generally speaking, Australians are more open and straightforward, usually more independent and outgoing.
When you first meet an Australian, you can be more casual in greeting and not too formal. Generally, they will shake hands with each other, and they usually call others by their first names in daily interactions. But in business situations, when you first meet an Australian, you should address them more formally, and it is best to add the other party’s title and surname to show respect. Australians are very straightforward when engaging in trade activities, and will directly say “No” to things they disagree with, but they appreciate a humble and honest attitude and hate “forced sales”. In addition, because the Australian corporate culture emphasizes mutual cooperation between departments and employees, senior managers like to consult with their subordinates before making major decisions, and we need to wait patiently for their decision results.
Although Australians have a more leisurely lifestyle, they attach great importance to punctuality. They regard being late or not completing tasks on time as unprofessional, which may lead to negative comments. “Surprise visits” are also unwelcome in Australia. Regardless of the importance of the matter, they believe that appointments should be made in advance, otherwise it is impolite.