AUSTRALIA

Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere.Because it is south of the equator, the seasons in Australia are the opposite of those in Europe: its winter in Australia when its summer in Europe.LOCATION

- Its the 6th biggest country in the world.

- Its an island, surrounded by water.

- Its the smallest continent in the world.

Australia is composed of 7 territories:Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria + Tasmania, and Papua New Guinea.

Six ColoniesFree settlers and former prisoners established six colonies:New South Wales-1786Tasmania-1825Western Australia-1829South Australia-1834Victoria-1851Queensland-1859

James Cook discovered Australia in 1770.

Britain sent prisoners and criminals to Australia.

Europeans sold the land of Aborigines and killed thousands of them.

HISTORY

Native Australians. The Aborigines have lived in Australia for over 40,000 years. Now they only represent 1% of the population. The total population of Australia is 22 million.

The capital city is Canberra.CITIESThe biggest city is Sydney, where there is the famous Sydney Opera House.

OTHER IMPORTANT CITIESMelbournePerthAdelaideBrisbane

THE AUSTRALIAN FLAGUnion Flag6th British colony.The Commonwealth 7 pointed star represents the 7 territories.Southern cross symbolizes the constellation.

The currency is the Australian dollar.

In Australia it is usually very warm, so Australians love sport and other outdoor activities. The most popular are:

surfing swimmingscuba-diving cricket

TYPICAL ANIMALSKoalaKangaroo

SOME AUSTRALIAN SYMBOLS

Other names for Australia Oz Down Under

Attractions/Important Economic EnterprisesFamous weapon: Aborigines boomerangGold rushes/miningSheep farmingGrain

StableSkilled WorkforceStrong & CompetetiveHigh GrowthLow Inflation & Interest Rate

Efficient GovernmentFlexible Labor MarketVery Competitive Business SectorWorkforce of 10 million highly trainedAlmost half of workforce has university, trade, or diploma qualifications.Monetary System based on Australian dollar Weights and measures based on the metric system

MiningFood ProcessingChemicalsSteelIndustrial & Transportation EquipmentWine

Australian Business StructuresA key Australian characteristic would be egalitarianism.

It is very important that people do not give the impression that they 'think they are somebody'.

It is much better to be seen as a 'good fellow' or a 'good mate' than somebody who is overtly proud of themselves and their achievements.

Australian Business StructuresAustralian organizations to be fairly non-hierarchical in their structure.

Little attention is paid to titles and rankings within organizations, with status being ascribed through achievement rather than organizational position - you are only as good as your last decision or action!

Australian Management StyleManagers are not expected to see themselves as in any way superior to their colleagues people just have different jobs.

Therefore an authoritarian style of management will be received very badly by most Australians and such an approach may provoke outright hostility

Australian Meetings Punctuality is considered a virtue in Australia but having said that meetings often start five or ten minutes late.

In addition, it is customary to go through a few minutes small talk before getting down to the key issues of the meeting (sport is a very common theme of these discussions.)

Australian MeetingsAustralia can be classified as a post-planning culture which means that relatively little preparation is done for meetings (with the exception of client-facing meetings).

Meetings are often viewed as the forum for the open debate of an issue and that, during that open debate, a route forward will be found this approach obviously sits well with the Australian egalitarian approach.

Australian MeetingsWhen the route forward is agreed upon in the meeting, then a detailed work schedule will be implemented for completion after the meeting.

Being 'over-prepared' for meetings can result in certain negative feelings towards those who have prepared in advance as they can be seen to be trying to dictate and force their ideas on other people

Australian TeamBeing seen to be a good team player is an extremely important part of the Australian psyche to be a maverick or a loner will invariably ostracize a person from their colleagues.

Creating a positive, collegiate feel in a department or project group would be seen as a key management function and bonding sessions (often including food and drink) are actively encouraged.

Australian TeamIt goes without saying that anyone who tries to make themselves out to be better than their colleagues does not make a good team player nor does anyone who wishes to be successful at the expense of a colleague.

A competitive edge should be directed towards the other team (the competition) rather than being internally focused.

Australian Communication StylesAlthough Australia is a polyglot nation, with over 100 languages being spoken by those sections of the population who have emigrated there from all over the world.

English is the official and by far the most commonly spoken language.

Australian Communication StylesAustralians tend to put directness before diplomacy and therefore can be considered quite blunt on occasions -especially by people from those cultures in which the majority are wary of speaking plainly for fear of creating a negative emotional impact upon the people they are talking to.

Directness is cherished in Australia and failure to say what you mean and mean what you say can be mistaken for evasiveness and even hypocrisy.

Women in Business in AustraliaWomen currently make up a large percentage of the workforce but as in many other countries are often found in lower paid and part-time jobs.

Whilst progress is being made, statistics will show that women are still paid comparatively less for doing the same job as a man.

Foreign business women visiting Australia should encounter little if any overt gender bias.

Australian Dress CodeIn corporate Australia, standard business dress is still very much the norm.

Dark suits and ties are the standard dress for management level businessmen with women wearing business suits with either skirts or trousers. (More informal attire is often preferred if doing work outside the major cities.)

Australian Dress CodeRemember that, for much of the year, Australia is a very hot country so make sure that your clothing is lightweight and cool during those periods.

Try to avoid excessive jewellery and accessories which may be viewed as too flashy and therefore unprofessional.

Successful Entertaining in AustraliaThere is no great tradition for business entertaining in Australia and it certainly shouldn't be viewed as the quick way to cement relationships with a new client or contact.

In fact, you are more likely to be asked out for lunch or dinner once a firm relationship has been established - in this way the meal can in no way be seen to have influenced a business decision

Successful Entertaining in AustraliaPeople will very often 'go Dutch' over a meal - this means that the bill is split equally amongst those present at the meal.

If you wish to pay, make sure you make this clear before the meal to avoid any embarrassing debates when the bill is presented.

Successful Entertaining in AustraliaIf invited to a pub or bar for a drink, it is very important to make sure you pay your 'shout' - that means that everybody is expected to pay for a round of drinks.

It is unadvisable to develop a reputation as someone who does not pay for his or her fair share of the drinks!

TipsAlthough Australia is relatively geographically remote and has a small domestic market, it is economically successful and its citizens have a comparatively high standard of living.

Due to its small domestic market, Australia needs to trade actively on the international market place and Australians know this - they are open to new ideas from overseas.

Business attire in Australia tends towards the formal with suits and ties the norm for men in management positions in major cities.

TipsAustralians prize their egalitarian approach to life- people should not try to make out that they are better than others.

This egalitarian world view is mirrored in many aspects of Australian business culture from corporate structures to management and communication style.

TipsOn the whole, Australian corporate structures are matrix oriented, without too many layers of management. A hierarchical approach tends to sit uneasily in egalitarian Australia.

Managers try to develop a 'matey' relationship with their colleagues and would be viewed negatively if they tried to seem aloof from subordinates.

TipsEverybody expects to have an input into the decision-making process even if, in the final analysis, the boss still makes the decision. If the boss makes the decision with no prior consultation, it unlikely that people will be very keen to ensure implementation.

Decision-making meetings can be quite animated and it is expected that people will say exactly what they think without necessarily having to defer automatically to the boss' viewpoint.

TipsAlthough Australians will say that they value punctuality as a professional necessity, do not be surprised if people appear five to ten minutes late for a meeting.

Some small talk is usually engaged in before the meeting proper starts. This stage of the meeting is, however, rarely protracted (five minutes or less.)

TipsAustralians tend to plan in less detail than certain other countries (Germany or Japan for example.)

The object of a meeting is often to explore the various possibilities available at that time, in order to determine what detailed actions may need to be taken after the meeting

TipsAgendas are often produced at meetings but will not, necessarily, be strictly adhered to. Some deviation is allowed if it is felt to be constructive deviation. This is viewed as pragmatic.

Australians like to be viewed as good team players and will try very hard to play the role.

TipsTeams are best managed by somebody who wants to be part of the team, rather than somebody who wished to be seen as apart from the team.

A team leader should view themselves the 'first amongst equals'.

Australians like people to say exactly what is on their mind. Hiding your views behind diplomatic language can be seen as evasiveness.

TipsNever try to 'hard sell' things to Australians who will probably view such an approach as bragging. Such an approach will invariably backfire in Australia.

Humor is an oft-used communication device in Australian business circles. It is difficult to envisage many situations where the use of humor would be deemed inappropriate.

Attitudes to Work, Hierarchy and LeadershipAustralians work to live rather than live to workWorkplace is not overly formal but there are clear lines of authority and decision-making.Workers talk on an equal basis with their superiors AND inferiors, often using humour or irreverence.Promotions tend to be based on merit and seniority.Being a good team player is highly regarded by employers. Ursula Walker 2011

Organisational CommunicationIn many countries atop-down model of organisational communication is still very common.Australian organisationstend use a more interactive model. Ursula Walker 2011

Achieving Success in the Australian WorkplaceAustralian employers like employees who are:Appropriately skilled and qualifiedTake the initiative and can be assertive when necessaryAre both able to work well independently but are also a team playerHave excellent planning, problem solving and organisational skillsAre good communicatorsAre enthusiastic and self-motivated Ursula Walker 2011

Employer ExpectationsEmployers expect employees to give and receive feedback and take initiative on projects.While Australians like communication to be direct, they still expect manners and politeness.Good interpersonal skills such as listening and being able to negotiate differences are highly regarded.Personal qualities such as punctuality, enthusiasm and motivation are highly valued. Ursula Walker 2011

Top 10 Tips for Skilled MigrantsAre you becoming disillusioned or depressed about the difficulties in finding appropriate employment or understanding your new workplace? Read on Ursula Walker 2011

Treat others as your equalAustralia has inequality and Australian workplaces have hierarchies, but people tend to speak with each other as equals.Be equally polite to both the office cleaner and the boss. Ursula Walker 2011

Understand Australian MannersDifferent languages have different ways of expressing politeness.In Australia if you dont use please, thank you and excuse me a lot, you may be judged as being impolite. Ursula Walker 2011

Always be PunctualPlan to arrive 15 minutes before a job interview and dont be late for meetings. Ursula Walker 2011

Know your ResponsibilitiesBe aware of employer expectations. Being clear about job roles and responsibilities in your vocational field will make it easier for you to excel. Ursula Walker 2011

Know your RightsAustralian governments have laws that protect employee rights, laws to ensure a safe workplace and to promote equality of opportunity. Ursula Walker 2011

Communication is CriticalContinue to improve your English.Learn how Australians make casual conversation in the workplace, and learn colloquialisms and jargon.Be aware of non-verbal communication, particularly in job interviews. Ursula Walker 2011

Build a BridgeCarefully identify a small number of well-respected local training courses that can deepen your understanding of Australian standards, processes and specifications.But remember that practical work experience is highly valued in Australia. Ursula Walker 2011

Be RealisticIts unlikely that you will be able to start your new career at the same level that you were in in your country of origin.Sometimes you have to go backward to go forward be prepared to start lower so that you can learn and progress in your new country. Ursula Walker 2011

Know that your Contribution is ValuedAustralias prosperity and diverse culture are largely due to the many migrants who have made Australia their home. Most Australians recognise this and appreciate it or are migrants themselves! Ursula Walker 2011

Be PositiveWe have a growing economy and a falling unemployment rate. Its only a matter of time before the right job becomes available. Ursula Walker 2011

Human Resource managementHuman Resource Management is an important organizational activity that focuses on issues regarding personnel such as hiring, compensation, organization development, performance management, wellness, safety, benefits, employee motivation, training, administration, and communication.

Functions of HRMStaffingHuman Resource Development (HRD)Compensation and Benefits Safety and HealthEmployee and Labor Relations

Human Resource Management in

AUSTRALIA

Recruitment and SelectionDiverse labor marketJob analysisHuman resource planning Succession planningAdvertisemt

ContGraduate recruitmentRecruitment in generalSelection Interview Test

The Wan Tan Slaughter house in the Asia Pacific

StaffingThe main trends in recruitment are identified as: Use of technology Newspapers Online job boards careers/vacancies websites and search engine Ernst & Young (http://www.ey.com/AU/en/Careers)Deloitte (http://careers.deloitte.com/jobs/eng-AU)KPMG (http://www.kpmg.com/au/en/careers/pages/default.aspx)

Cont..Outsourcing Hays Talent Solutions (hays.com.au) HrX (hrx.com.au) hyphen (hyphen.com.au)

Training & development Vocational and Industrial training

On the job trainingOff the job training

Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive base payAnnual incentive awards when the company meets its established goalsDeath and disability insurancePrograms to help you balance your work and personal responsibilitiesMotor vehicle plansEducational assistance

Methods of performance appraisal systems Forced distribution (FD) forces appraisers to place a certain proportion of appraised staff in different performance categories or grades, normally with the aim of avoiding the bunching of staff in higher grades. Multi-rater or 360-degree feedback appraisals are seen as increasingly prevalent practices in corporate performance management systems. Its managerial rationale is to give individual employees a more rounded and coherent perspective on their performance by providing feedback from peers and subordinates as well as the line manager. It is regarded as a way of strengthening an individuals skills, competencies and future performance.

Centralized reward systemDecentralized reward systemThe minimum wage

Health & Safety

STEP 1 HOW TO IDENTIFY HAZARDSphysical work environmentequipment, materials and substances usedwork tasks and how they are performedwork design and management

STEP 2 HOW TO ASSESS RISKShow severe a risk iswhether any existing control measures are effective what action you should take to control the riskhow urgently the action needs to be taken.

STEP 3 HOW TO CONTROL RISKSThe hierarchy of risk controlHow to develop and implement control optionsHow to ensure that controls remain effective

STEP 4 HOW TO REVIEW CONTROLSAre the control measures working effectively in both their design and operation?Have the control measures introduced new problems? Have all hazards been identified?Have new work methods, new equipment or chemicals made the job safer?Are safety procedures being followed?

Employee and Labor RelationsEmployee realtionsTrade union organization, membership and densityCollective bargainingIndustrial conflicts and strikes

Settlement of industrial disputesEmployee involvement and participation

CrossCultural Analysis

Specific Cultural Differences Inequality of gender Conservative dress Relaxed about time Little nightlife Forbidden to eat pork Small gifts acceptable in business Friday holy day (day of rest) RamadanSAUDI ARABIAAUSTRALIA Equality of gender Informal dress Punctuality expected Nightlife important part of culture Meat dishes popular Gift-giving uncommon Normal weekend Alcohol forbidden Alcohol very common No significant religious holidays

High and LowContext CulturesSAUDI ARABIAAUSTRALIAHigh Context Culture:Responsibility for organisational error taken by highest levelPolychronic culture: everything in life must be dealt with in terms of its own time people able to multi-taskNegotiations are lengthyLow Context Culture:Responsibility for organisational error pushed to lowest levelMonochronic culture: time is money time is linear people do one thing at a timeNegotiations proceed quicklySource: Hall and Hall (1990)

Hofstedes Dimensions Source: Hofstede (1980) - cited in Alexakis (2003)

Power DistanceSAUDI ARABIAHigh Power Distance: - Autocratic management style- Acceptance of status differences- Hierarchical structures

AUSTRALIALow Power Distance:- Democratic management style:- Consultative relationships- Consensus-building philosophySource: Hofstede (1980) - cited in Alexakis (2003)

Individualism / CollectivismSAUDI ARABIALow Individualism: - Collectivist, group-oriented culture - Close relationships between individuals

AUSTRALIAHigh Individualism: - Individualistic society - Loose relationships between individualsSource: Hofstede (1980) - cited in Alexakis (2003)

Masculinity / Femininity

Both countries are quite similar in respect of masculinity and have mid-ranking scores - Evidence of assertiveness, achievement-orientation, ambition, competitiveness and aggression, yet able and willing to compromise when required- Combination of people-oriented, task-oriented and process-oriented management practicesSource: Hofstede (1980) - cited in Alexakis (2003)

Uncertainty AvoidanceSAUDI ARABIAHigh Uncertainty Avoidance: - Low tolerance of risk and ambiguity - Rule-oriented society- People expected to conform

AUSTRALIAMedium Uncertainty Avoidance: - Uncertainty and ambiguity tolerated - Willingness to take some risks- Non-conformity acceptedSource: Hofstede (1980) - cited in Alexakis (2003)

Hofstedes Dimensions Source: Hofstede (1980) - cited in Alexakis (2003)

Training Programme

Aims of Culture Training ProgrammeThe training Programme is designed to:

help Mohammed develop and improve his personal and professional effectiveness;develop his intercultural sensitivity and help him adapt to a new and different cultural environment;minimise the potential for conflict between Mohammed and his new colleagues; make Mohammed aware of culture shock and its consequences;help Mohammed develop cultural knowledge, awareness and skills, so as to become culturally fluent.

Cultural Fluencyhttp://www.cultural-fluency.com/mainpage3.htm

ddemocraticdemocraticdemocratic

Cultural

Awareness

Cultural

Knowledge

Cultural Skills

Cultural

Fluency

Schedule of Training ProgrammePre-Departure Training(including initial assessment)Post-Arrival Training(including on-going)Re-Entry Training 3 months(12 hrs per week)1 month3 months

Training Programme MethodsLecturesSeminarsReading materialsVideo tapesCultural assimilatorsRole-playingCase studiesWorkshopsOrientation trip

Preliminary AssessmentObjectives of the assessment

To avoid methods that may be too basic or too advanced for the manager;To choose the most appropriate training programme to suit his needs;To identify his current level of cultural fluency

Contents

Written testsInterviews

DenialDefenceMinimizationAcceptanceAdaptationIntegrationLowestHighestBennett M. (1986) A Development Approach to Training for Intercultural Sensitivity, in International Journal of Intercultural Relations 10, No.2Bennetts International Sensitivity model

Pre-Departure Programme1)General knowledge about Australia(Area studies, economy, history, literature)

2)Preparation for living in Australia(Everyday life, banking, medical services etc.)

3)General Language Training (Advanced Level)

4)Cross-cultural Training

Cross-Cultural TrainingCultural valuesCulture in businessCommunication stylesBusiness etiquette and protocolTailored trainingCulture shock

Post-Arrival Programme

Personal Orientation Programme (off-job / first week)- Orientation trip- Meeting with representatives- Cultural adaptation for daily life

Professional Orientation Programme (next 3 weeks)- Visiting company and meeting key people- Continuing culture in business training- Practical training in business etiquette and protocol

Personal mentor - monthly interviews

Post-Arrival Programme (cont.)

Re-Entry Programme

Objective- Minimise impact of reverse culture shock

Method- Meetings with home company representatives 6 months, 3 months and 1 month prior to going back to Saudi Arabia

Resources: including physical, technological, human, and energyPhysical Resources:Australia is considered to be rich in natural resources despite the fact that 1/3 of the continent is entirely useless and another third is at best sparce pasture. The country is rich in natural resources such as bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, and petroleum. Australias agricultural and mineral exports are sensitive to fluctuations in world market prices which can restrict or encourage growth. Australia is also a world exporter of livestock, wool, and food. The country is very dependant on exports which has an overall effect of influencing its development plan.

Technological Resources:Australia is a modern day country with access to and production of many information age technologies. Computers are common and pervasive in business and everyday life. Satellite technology is available and widely used. Unfortunately, the country's distance from Europe and North America has a negative influence on trade policies and imposes considerable transportation costs on imports and exports. This also explains why the country trails in overall technology and why it receives less fallout from the scientific advances that are revolutionizing industry among the Atlantic powers. With this in mind, Australia still lags the in the industrial age with some considerable progress into the information age.

Human Resources:Australia has a highly educated society with a literacy rate of 99 to 99.5%. The institutional breakdown is as follows: 33 universities, 1619 second level schools with a net enrollment of 86%, 95 third level schools with an enrollment rate of 27%, vocational schools number 234 and the percentage of the population with postsecondary education is 22. Australia is into the information age with a rich human resources backround.

Energy Resources:The composition of Australia's energy supply has changed since the end of WWII, first in favor of oil, and after two oil shocks, in favor of coal. Coal and lignite account for 70% of the total energy sources with petroleum and natural gas accounting for the other 28%. Electric power only accounts for 3%. Australia is one of the five members of OECD that is a net energy exporter. Oil was first discovered in 1961 in Southeastern Queensland. Since then many more oil rich land have been developed. The prospects of other oil rich areas being discovered are considered good. Public electricity supply rests with the state governments which control both production and distribution. Hydroelectrfic resources are poor, with the exception of Tasmania, because of low average rainfall and limited areas of high relief. Nuclear power is non-existent as of this time. Australia is still considered to be in the Industrial age of energy resources with a shift towards more renewable energy sources in the near future.

Economic SystemAustralia's economy is basically free-enterprise in structure, and it's largest components are finance, manufacturing, services and trade. Australia has a developed, modern, regulated market economy characterized by industrialization, high technology, urbanization, large scale production, exploitation of natural resources, and a dominant private-enterprise sector. The economy's great strengths are a stable political system; an Anglo-Saxon respect for law and private property; a well maintained and extensive infrastructure; and vast mineral resources, the full extent of which is only gradually being revealed. It's GDP is $374.6 billion with a national per capita of $20,720. The inflation rate is 2.5% and it's unemployment rate is 8.9%. Australia is mainly in the Industrial age due to its monetary economy yet it's type of economic system is moving into the Information age

Political SystemAustralia is a federal parliamentary state, consisting of six federal states, the Australian Capital Territory around Canberra, and the Northern Territory. Each individual state enjoys much autonomy, although national law overrides any state laws that conflict with it. The federal Parliament consists of a 76 seat Senate and a 147 seat House of Reprsentatives. All citizens are required to vote and those who don't may be fined. The next elections are in 1996. Keating's Labor Party is the governing party. With near equal representation stands an opposition coalition composed of the Liberal Party and the National Party. Although Australia is a sovereign nation, it is still a member of Britains Commonwealth and officially recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch. A governor-general formally represents the queen. Prime Minister Paul Keating and others support converting Australia into a full republic and withdrawing from the Commonwealth, a move that would require a national referendum and constitutional change. Other political groups strongly oppose such a move, and the public has generally expressed the desire to maintain the status quo. Australia has a combination of Industrial and Information age political system

EmploymentPrimary Jobs:The Australian labor force is estimated at 8.63 million with a 60.7% participation rate. Women make up 39.4% of the labor force. Australias unemployment rate is close to the OECD average. However, unemployment is very high for two groups: youth, for whom it has hovered between 22% and 25%; and for women, for whom it has risen as high as 31.9%. Many observers attribute the high youth unemployment to high pay scales for that age group. The workforce breakdown includes: 70% in the services, 21% in the mining and manufacturing industry, 5% in agriculture, and 4% in public administration. This service oriented country has all the information age characteristics with a small percentage of left over industrial age sectors.Labor Union Membership:Although Australian unions are still strong, their numbers have been steadily declining since the 1970's. It's expected that as the country moves towards a more service based economy that the trend will continue, however, due to its highly industrialized manufacturing sectors it's expected to stabilize in the near future. This places Australia in the Information age regarding labor unions

Three political parties dominate the center of the Australian political spectrum: the Liberal Party (LP), nominally representing urban business-related groups; the National Party (NP), nominally representing rural interests; and the Australian Labor Party (ALP), nominally representing the trade unions and liberal groups.

Government/ImmigrationDemocracyBritish monarch-symbolic executive powerCulturally diverse societyIndigenous peoplesSince 1945, over 6 million people from 200 countries have come to Australia as new settlers.Vietnam, Greece, China, and UKImmigration policiesNon-discriminatory