Australia is a unique region that is a country, an island and a continent on its own. It is a commonwealth of the Australian continent and mainly comprises the continent of Australia mainland, the Island of Tasmania, and many other smaller surrounding islands. It is characterized by cultural diversity, stability and democratic society that have a strong economic base. Australia is a multicultural country that has both indigenous and immigrant cultures (Gupta, 2014). Most of its occupants speak English since Australia was a British colony. However, due to immigration, there has been the introduction of many other languages in the country.
The religion in Australia mainly comprises Christians while others are either non-Christians or are not affiliated with any religion. Australia has many significant values by which the Australians live up to. They consider themselves as modest people
...who ensure that they do not make themselves seem better or superior to anyone else. Authenticity and sincerity are values that are valued in people as hypocrisy, pretentiousness and those who draw attention to achievements are highly disliked and seen as vices. Such vices lead to distrust (Stephensen, 1936). They are highly conscious about their relationships with others. Hence, there is a high preference for dealing with people that are humble, modest and self-deprecating. The high focus on relationships ensures that there is a win-win situation for any negotiation hence leaving all parties satisfied (Gupta, 2014). The business culture of Australia is mostly straightforward and genuine. People are specific and main to the point. Appointments are paramount while meetings should be highly focused on business. Moreover, people are encouraged to be early rather than late. Since business i
seriously taken into consideration, business cases are presents straight to the point and with minimal room for negotiation hence making the business a short order (Stephensen, 1936).
Australia and USA Culture
The culture of Australia is mostly similar to the culture of USA though it may differ at some point. Using the four dimensions of culture, Australia, and the United States have almost similar cultural beliefs and norms with very minimal and rare differences. Greetings in both countries are casual. In Australia, youngsters would be referred to by their first names while the adults by their surnames together with their respective gender titles like Mr. and Mrs., which is similar to USA (Gupta, 2014).
Similar to Australia, USA’s business meetings are taken seriously. Arrival is always early while late arrival is not appreciated. The meeting is serious hence the agenda is fully followed. The presentation of business cases is done with short-hand language, specific and straight to the point. However, Americans mostly incorporate the idea of negotiating and bargaining on a business case, whereas Australians present a case direct to the point giving minimal chances of bargaining (Albinski, 1985).
Australia focuses on relationships with others where they ensure that each party is a satisfied in a win-win situation. This feature helps Australia to maintain a peaceful coexistence with her affiliates, neighbors and all other countries (Gupta, 2014). However, Americans have little focus on their relationships with others. They prefer private lives where everyone cares entirely about themselves and not others. In the case of any provocation, Americans prefer counter-attacking rather than solving the issue to a win-win situation. This is the reason they have enemies and rivals (Albinski, 1985).
Time is a great factor in all endeavors. In both countries, people are encouraged to arrive for any meeting, work or gathering early enough and in time. Late arrivals are seen as a sign of disrespect. Appointments are necessary for both countries (Gupta, 2014).
Table and dining manners are paramount. The use of forks is recommended in both countries while all the dining manners took into consideration. American meals are mainly fried foods, fat, and canned foods. This is similar to the Australians (Albinski, 1985). Australia has not developed it's subcultural and regional identities like in America. This has led a stronger Australia due to its homogeneity that supports the existence of one Australia that is an all-Australian community. In America, there is heightened pluralism that divides people among various lines like sections and subcultures among others (Albinski, 1985).
Opening a Facility in Australia
Advantages
It is of great advantage to open a facility in Australia. The high time management is necessary for the development and successful growth of a facility. Australians have good business ethics, for instance, straight-to-the-point negotiations with minimal chances of bargaining. This will help the facility in the implementation of policies and acquisition of its interests. The formal and highly professional relationship between people in meetings is of great importance as it may help improve the facility through the gaining of ideas from people.
Disadvantages
Though Australia is a good environment, the country has high rates of individualism. This would mean that many people are deeply rooted in the norms and cannot try out new approaches since they may not be convinced by other people. Since there is little bargaining, the business may not negotiate the prices
according to the specific customers. Thus, general prices are set for everyone thus no extra income.
References
- Albinski, H. (1985). Australia and the United States. Daedalus, 395-420.
- Gupta, A. (2014). Australia and its Culture. Slideshare, 1-5.
- Stephensen, P. (1936, March). The Foundations of Culture in Australia. The Australian Quarterly, 8(29), 106-109.
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