Workplace behaviour
Culture is the behaviour which is considered to be normal in your own country. Your beliefs and values are likely to have been shaped by this culture. By travelling to other countries you will learn more about your own culture, and yourself. There is no right approach. Enjoy the learning experience!
The culture of the Australian workplace is particularly different from many Asian countries. Being aware of the differences will allow you to have a better understanding of your future colleagues. It can also help to explain why misunderstandings can occur. Awareness means that you can be proactive - it is your choice whether to change to accommodate the Australian culture, or to explain the cultural differences to your employer and colleagues. If you ever feel uncomfortable (for example, if you are being encouraged to drink alcohol when this goes against your religion) it is usually better to explain your beliefs.
These are a few ways in which Australia may be different.
Hierarchy and Management
The Australian workplace does have a hierarchy. Despite this, the communication between managers and employees is usually informal.
Informal Communication
Informal jokes are encouraged and managers are likely to join in. Being included in jokes and laughter means that you are considered to be a welcome member of the team.
Contribution and respect for Management
Managers are responsible for making the final decision. In Australian culture it is advisable for managers to ask for the opinions of other members of the team before making the decision. The reason for this is that everyone is considered to be an expert in their own role. Combined expertise is considered to be valuable.
Australian employees tend to have more respect for employers who ask for their advice.
Meetings and conflict
Meetings include information-giving, and provide a forum for sharing ideas. This means that everyone may be asked to contribute. In meetings you may notice that people will disagree with each other. This is encouraged as disagreement means that there are different perspectives being analysed. It is even acceptable to disagree with the manager.
Although the Australians use direct language to explain their views, they also ensure that they are polite. Telling someone that they are ‘wrong’ is not considered to be polite. However, you can say,
‘Please can I add another comment, …’
‘I’m not sure about that, I was wondering …’
‘Perhaps we can look at this from a different perspective’
‘From the work I was doing I found …’
When you don’t understand
When anyone starts a new job there will be things that they don’t understand. In Australia saying the words ‘I don’t understand’ is not an insult to the person teaching you.
The manager/supervisor will want you to understand the job so that you can contribute. You are therefore expected to ask if you don’t understand.
Be proactive, use your initiative
If you can see something which could be improved then you are welcome to discuss this with the manager.