Cyborlink · International Business Etiquette
South Pacific · Country Profile

Doing business in Australia

A working reference on Australian business etiquette, culture, and cross-cultural communication — updated for the contemporary workplace.

Australia Capital: Canberra
Language: English
Currency: Australian Dollar (A$)
§ 01 — Orientation

Introduction

Australia has a population of approximately 27 million people in a country not much smaller than the contiguous 48 United States. However, the great majority of the population is located in a few major urban centers. The large majority of the population has a European heritage, primarily English. English is the predominant language.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are indigenous to Australia and make up approximately 3.8% of the population. They are thought to have arrived in Australia from Southeast Asia some 50,000 to 65,000 years ago. The Aboriginal peoples have a strong devotion to kinship, and believe in walkabout — the desire to revisit sacred sites.

Australia is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Long-term Australian concerns include environmental conservation, particularly management of the Great Barrier Reef and the effects of climate change.

Fun Fact

Australia is a very friendly and open culture. However, “G’day” the informal “hello” is overused by tourists. The Australians expect one’s work to speak for itself, so they are not impressed with your position, title, or status. Don’t arrive in town wearing the latest status symbol to announce how important you think you are.

§ 02 — Cultural Analysis

Hofstede Analysis

Australia — Six-Dimension Scores
Power Distance
36
Individualism
90
Masculinity
61
Uncertainty Avoidance
51
Long-Term Orientation
21
Indulgence
71
Source: Hofstede Insights. Scores on a 0–100 scale.

Australia scores 90 on Individualism — the second highest in the world behind the United States. Australians value privacy and self-reliance, and attempts at personal ingratiation may be met with rebuff.

Low Power Distance (36) reflects a strongly egalitarian culture where people expect to interact as equals regardless of rank. Masculinity (61) indicates a moderately competitive society, though tempered by the famous Australian “tall poppy syndrome” — those who boast about their achievements are likely to be cut down to size.

High Indulgence (71) reflects a culture that values leisure, sport, and enjoyment of life. Low Long-Term Orientation (21) means Australians tend to focus on quick results and are comfortable with change.

Read the full Hofstede framework →

Religion.  According to the 2021 Census, 38.9% of Australians identify as having no religion — the largest single category and a significant shift from previous decades. Christianity accounts for 43.9% (Catholic 20%, Anglican 9.8%, other Christian denominations 14.1%). Islam (3.2%), Hinduism (2.7%), Buddhism (2.4%), and Sikhism (0.8%) reflect Australia’s increasingly multicultural population.

§ 03 — Dress & Presence

Appearance

Dress, clothing,
body language
& gestures
  1. Men wear a conservative dark business suit and tie.
  2. Women may wear a dress, or skirt and blouse, for business.
  3. Informal clothing is appropriate when not attending business functions. Casual pants are fine for both men and women.
  4. Men should not become physically demonstrative with another man, or wink at a woman.
§ 04 — Conduct

Behavior

Dining, gifts,
meetings &
general conduct
  1. Being punctual is critical.
  2. Maintain good eye contact during meetings and conversations.
  3. A single, male passenger using a taxi should sit in the front seat.
  4. Gift giving is not a common practice in business.
  5. You may bring a small gift of chocolate, wine or flowers if invited to someone’s home.
  6. When paying for a round of drinks, do not pick up the tab out of turn, and make sure to pay when it is your turn.
  7. Should you approach a line or queue, go to the end and wait your turn.
  8. Do not litter.
§ 05 — Communication

Communication

Greetings,
introductions &
conversation
  1. English is the spoken language.
  2. Shake hands when meeting and when leaving.
  3. Although uncommon, some women may greet each other with a kiss on the cheek.
  4. Exchanging business cards is common among professional workers.
  5. Australians are friendly and open, but directness and brevity are valued.
  6. Opinions are respected, and opinionated discussions are entertaining.
  7. Be an active listener, and ask if you do not understand something in the conversation.
  8. Do not hype yourself, your company or your information.
  9. Sightseeing and sports are good conversational topics.
  10. Afternoon tea is about 4:00 pm. Tea is between 6:00–8:00 pm and is an evening meal. Supper is a late night light meal or snack.
§ 06 — Further Reading

Resources

Government & Data

News & Culture

Cultural Framework