australian culture

Differences between Australian and Chinese business etiquette

Abstract

This paper gives the readers a glimpse of the difference between the Australian and Chinese business etiquette. Mainly from two aspects, table manners and business meeting etiquette. Due to the different history and cultural background, there are many differences for us to notice if we want to build a good business relationship with Australian.

Key words: Australian , Chinese , business , etiquette , differences 1.Introduction

Etiquette is said to be the external appearance of a person`s inward cultivation

and quality. Firstly, it can help people raise their self-cultivation. Secondly, it will promote social interaction and improve people`s interpersonal relationship. It also can help to build business relationships. As a student majoring in Foreign Trade English , learning the difference between different business cultures is necessary . Since i am very interested in Australian culture , so I choose this topic to study . The paper is trying to analyze the business etiquette code between China and Australian to guide people in the right way.

1.1The definition of business etiquette

Business etiquette is embodying the code to conduct respecting mutually in business affairs activity. The core of business etiquette is kind of the behavior criterion, which used to restrain our daily flexible business affairs in all around facts. Business etiquette is essentially about building relationships with colleagues, clients or customers. In the business world, it is these people that can influence your success or failure. Etiquette, and in particular business etiquette, is simply a means of maximizing your business potential by presenting yourself favorably. 2.1The main difference between Chinese and Australian table etiquette

Australian eating is funny. They eat almost everything with a fork , and it appears that holding a knife in one's right hand longer than a few seconds is considered to be against good table manners. The system is that if it is absolutely necessary to use a knife,people take the fork in their left hand,and cut off a piece of

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meat or whatever it is in the normal manner . Then they put the knife down,transfer the fork to their right hand,and only then do they transport the food to their mouth . This is clearly ludicrous, but it is considered good manners.

There are several results of this system. First, if it is not absolutely necessary to use a knife,Americans don't use one,because obviously this greatly complicates things, and you will therefore see them trying to cut things like potatoes, fish and even bacon with a fork.Second, to the end of a course, since only one implement is being used, food has to bo chased around the plate with the fork —and for the last mouthful the thumb has to be used to keep the food in place, although one is not supposed to do this. Third, tables are generally laid with one knife and two forks, the outside fork being for the salad.There is no need for foreign visitors to follow the American system and try to eat the salad with only a fork,but if you do use your knife,remerber to save it for the meat course. Even desserts are eaten with a fork if at all possible, and the spoon you see by your dessert is meant to be for coffee .

Talking about table etiquette, unlike the Australian, where everyone has their own plate of food, in China the dishes are placed on the table and everybody shares. If guests are being treated by a Chinese host, be prepared for a ton of food. Chinese are very proud of their culture of cuisine and will do their best to show their hospitality.

When taking the dinner, you should hold the bowl with the thumb on the mouth of the bowl, the first finger, the middle finger and the third finger on the bottom and the palm of the hand empty. If you don't hold the bowl but bend over the table and eat facing the bowl, it will be regarded as bad table manners. Moreover, it will have the consequence of pressing the stomach and affecting digestion.When helping you to the dishes, it’s better for reader to take food first from the plate nearby or facing you rather than that in the middle or on the side of others. It is bad manners to use the chopsticks to borrow through the dishes in the plate and \"dig for treasure” and keep your eyes glued to the plates. It is not appropriate to take too much food at a time. When finding some favorite dishes, you should not gobble them like whirlwind scattering wisps of cloud, nor put the plate in front of yourself and eat like a horse without further ado. You should consider your parents and siblings at the same table.

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If there is not much left in the plate and you want to \"clean\" it up, you should consult others. If they say they don't want it any more, then you can eat it up. 2.2 The different business meeting etiquette between Australia and China

Business meetings are one arena in which poor etiquette can have negative effects. By improving business meeting etiquette one can automatically improve chances of success. Comfort, trust, attentiveness and clear communication are examples of the positive results of demonstrating good etiquette. 2.2.1Greetings

When greeting an Australian, generally a good, firm handshake is the best option, usually followed by an informal question about their well being, such as \"how is it going?\" You should not expect a lengthy reply, nor should you give one! A simple \"OK\" or \"Good thanks\" will suffice. In china, a short and light, not firm, handshake is the customary start to a business meeting. It is advisable to start the meeting with 'small talk' and only after that to pass on to business matters. During the meeting it is customary to address your Chinese colleagues with the title that signifies their status: \"Professor Chen\" or \"Mr. Chen\" or Miss Chen\" with the name that follows the title being the surname and not a first name. 2.2.2Business meeting etiquette

Appointments are necessary and relatively easy to schedule. They should be made with as much lead time as possible. Punctuality is important in business situations. It is better to arrive a few minutes early than to keep someone waiting. Meetings are generally relaxed; however, they are serious events. If an Australian takes exception to something that you say, they will tell you so. If you make a presentation, avoid hype, making exaggerated claims, or bells and whistles. Present your business case with facts and figures. Emotions and feelings are not important in the Australian business climate. 2.2.3Negotiating and decision making

Australians get down to business quickly with a minimum amount of small talk. They are quite direct and expect the same in return. They appreciate brevity and are not impressed by too much detail. Negotiations proceed quickly. Bargaining is not

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customary. They will expect your initial proposal to have only a small margin for negotiation. They do not like high-pressure techniques. Decision-making is concentrated at the top of the company, although decisions are made after consultation with subordinates, which can make decision making slow and protracted. 2.2.4What to wear?

Business dress is conservative in Melbourne and Sydney. Men should wear a dark coloured, conservative business suit. Women should wear a smart dress or a business suit. In Brisbane or other tropical areas, depending on the job function and company culture, men may wear shirts, ties and Bermuda shorts.

The accepted style of dress for a business meeting in China is conservative. - A dark colored, unostentatious suit and tie are customary for men. Bright colored clothes are considered unacceptable, while which is usually accepted by Australian. Women must take care that their skirts are not above the knees; good quality jewelry that is neither ostentatious nor overly expensive, is recommended for making the right impression.

2.3The main reasons for different business etiquette of China and Australia 2.3.1Different culture background

The different Chinese and Australian culture is main reason for the business etiquette difference. In order to fully understand the business environment of a national culture, one also needs to consider important within-culture difference. Very few countries in recent history have experienced the number and magnitude of societal changes that have occurred in China since the Qing Dynasty .Many of these changes were deliberately designed to radically reshape beliefs and attitudes which logically may have had marked influence on the values of the Chinese workforce and ,in business ethic.

2.3.2Different concepts on individualism

What’s more, Individualism of the Australian and Modesty of China is a reason. In terms of individualism, Western countries are generally much higher than China. Western countries seem to have short-term orientation while China is considered to be long-term orienteer. The Westerners are proud of the achievements of individuals.

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They never cover up their self-confidence, and are always proud of the accomplishment and the ecstasy of themselves. Conversely, the promotion of Chinese culture does not flaunt personal honor. Generally, Chinese people usually oppose or defy the people who are proud of themselves. However, the Westerners are dissatisfied with the Chinese self-denial or self-modesty. \"Your English is very good!\" \"No, my English is poor.\" For Chinese people, it is a modest response. But for the Westerners, it is not only denying himself but also denying people who appreciate him. This shows that the modesty of Chinese style is not feasible in the West. That`s way sometimes Chinese people pay much attention to their face value. 3.Conclusions

As the world is increasingly becoming a big village, we willagers should know

more about each other. This paper aims to share more knowledge with everyone about Chinese and Australian etiquette . People who want to start business in Australia should know the general situations in Australia, it`s better for them to do the research works or consult the professional person to avoid stupid mistakes. What`s more, the suggestions which presented on this paper will be very helpful . References:

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