For Week 08, I went on to do some research on the internet about Australian workplace culture. My sources were mostly blogs and job resource sites that were targeted towards international students, graduates and alumni.
According to an post by Kimmorley (2016) on Business Insider, in a nutshell, here are what one might expect at Australian workplaces:
Casual conversations are expected (especially at the start of lunch meetings).
Aussies like to socialise after work .
A laid back / no-fuss attitude is very common.
There aren't much hierarchies within the organisational chart.
There are a lot of rules and regulations.
In another article by an ECA Internships consultant, mentor Edward Gubbay shares a few pointers on what Aussie workplace culture is generally like:
There's a flat hierarchy within the workplace and everyone's opinion matters. As long as you're professional and respectful, you can speak directly to anyone, even higher ups.
Employers really value work life balance and are very aware about employees having other commitments.
Communication is key (it's always okay to ask questions).
Small talk is a big deal, he says it's worth learning more about sports as Aussies are big sports fans. Conversations help build relationships.
Flaunting success is frowned upon and is seen as distasteful
On the topic of what students struggle with in terms of applying for jobs, Gubbay shares:
I find that our cover letter format is pretty fixed and specific in Australia. We really expect it written a very certain way. My students don’t always understand how important this is. They may use language that would be appropriate in their culture, but gives a bad impression here. For example, a student may begin his or her cover letter with “Dear Most Honorable and Respectable Hiring Manager” thinking that they’re showing respect, but in Australia, that’s not the norm, and won’t be looked on favorably. It will be seen as someone who doesn’t know how to write a cover letter. Also, some students struggle to understand how important interviews are and what Aussie employers are really looking for during the interview. I always tell them, ‘If you’ve got the interview, you’re halfway there! They already know your technical skills from your resume. They want to see how you conduct yourself.’ Students don’t always understand that, at an interview, they’re really being judged on their professionalism and behavior and body language.
According to a post by Norvaisaite (2016) posted on an online platform CareerProfessor.works, the key points presented are more or less the same:
Hierarchical organisational structures are usually classless
Decision making is very teamwork-oriented, communication is direct but good-humored, and personal opinions are valued and encouraged
Time perception is crucial
It's important to got and meet people at every opportunity. Appointments and meetings need to be schedule in advanced and confirmed when date is nearing.
Dress code-very weather dependent although it may also be dictated by your position/role (you can be in formal clothing during a hot summer day)
I also came across an article posted on an online resource called The Cultural Atlas. The article shared information about specific facets of Australian culture. Core cultural concepts were noted as:
Mateship - loyalty is very strong, humility and down-to-earth attitudes are embraced whereas “tall poppy syndrome” which people look down upon.
Egalitarianism (the right to a ‘fair go’)
Authenticity
Optimism
Humility
Informality
Easy-going
Common sense
Humour
Because of their matter-of-fact approach, Australians do not feel it necessary to build personal relationships before doing business. They will be more interested in your experience, credentials and the longevity of your company. Nevertheless, Australians are open to cultivating business friendships– especially in the long term. They enjoy building rapport so long as it does not seek to compromise either person’s position in negotiations. Business favour are rarely done on personal grounds.
References:
Carson, E. (2019, July 04). Understanding Australian Workplace Culture. Retrieved from ECA Interships: https://internships.eca.edu.au/understanding-australian-workplace-culture/
Evason, N. (2019). Australian Culture. Retrieved from Cultural Atlas: https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/australian-culture/references-ae181e28-8562-46a2-9c81-ba6de3e00c0e#references-ae181e28-8562-46a2-9c81-ba6de3e00c0e
Kimmorley, S. (2016, December 26). 20 things about Australian working culture that can surprise foreigners. Retrieved from Business Insider Australia: https://www.businessinsider.com.au/20-things-about-australian-working-culture-that-can-surprise-foreigners-2015-3
Norvaisaite, V. (2016, January 25). Work Culture in Australia. Retrieved from CareerProfessor.works: https://careerprofessor.works/work-culture-in-australia/
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