Culture Smart! Australia

by Barry Penney

Overview

Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is the most isolated city in the world, it is closer to Singapore than it is to Sydney. Australia is the world’s largest island, smallest continent and today it has one of the world’s highest standards of living.

The belief in being “Fair Dinkum” – honest, up-front and a person who keeps to their word harks back to pioneering days. That isn’t to say that the phrase is obsolete today because immigrants were quick to pick it up. They converted to what epitomized the Australian way of life and with a new intensity.

Culture Smart! is a concise guide to understanding the Australian people. It will illuminate the complexities of their collective personality. Familiarise yourself with their customs, traditions and culture and experience Australia authentically.

"Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel

"... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel

"...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer

"...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine

"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781857333107
Publisher:	Kuperard
Publication date:	09/28/2006
Series:	Culture Smart! Series
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	4.43(w) x 6.65(h) x 0.49(d)

About the Author

BARRY PENNEY is an Australian teacher, trainer, and management executive. After graduating from the University of Adelaide, he worked in education before specializing in sales, sales management, and marketing for several multinational corporations. He went on to study at The Australian Administrative Staff College, Victoria. Barry has lived and worked in the United States, Britain, and Turkey. On returning to Australia he established a management training business. He has devised and conducted marketing and presentation courses, has published several short stories, and teaches English to foreign language students. He is an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.

Table of Contents

	Map of Australia	7
	Introduction	8
	Key Facts	10
Chapter 1	Land and People	12
	Terrain	15
	Climate	17
	Australia's Aborigines	19
	The Australians	25
	Government and Politics	27
	Historical Snapshot	30
Chapter 2	Values and Attitudes	32
	"Fair Dinkum"	32
	Working to Live versus Living to Work	33
	"Mateship"	34
	"Cultural Cringe" and "Tall Poppies"	36
	Religion	38
	Humor	39
	Attitudes to Others	41
Chapter 3	The Australians at Home	46
	Home Ownership	46
	Renting	47
	House Styles	47
	Suburban Living	50
	Gardening	52
	Schools and Schooling	55
	Shops and Services	57
	TV and Radio	58
Chapter 4	Making Friends	60
	Where to Find Them	60
	What Next?	65
Chapter 5	A God Named Sport	72
	The Climate and the Great Outdoors	74
	The Olympics and the World Scene	75
	A Land of Opportunity	81
Chapter 6	Time Out	84
	Food and Drink	84
	Restaurants	91
	Table Manners	92
	The "Barbie," or "Bar-b-que"	95
	Sangers and Other Takeaways	96
	Australian Culture--an Oxymoron?	98
Chapter 7	Traveling	106
	Going Walkabout	106
	Planning Your Trip	107
	State Differences and Rivalries	109
	Transport	116
	Driving in the Outback	121
	Accommodation	123
	Health and Security	125
Chapter 8	Business Briefing	132
	"The Australian Way"	132
	A Pocket Economic History	133
	Women in Management	137
	The Work Ethic	137
	The Working Day	139
	Making Appointments	139
	Meetings and Negotiation	140
	Making a Presentation	142
	Egalitarianism in the Workplace	144
	Trade Unions	145
	Business and Socializing	146
Chapter 9	Commiunicating	148
	Australian English--Speaking "Strine"	148
	Telephone	150
	Fax and E-mail	153
	Post	153
	Communication Styles	154
	Conclusion	157
	Glossary	160
	Resources	162
	Further Reading	164
	Index	166
	Acknowledgment	168