Australia vs US Business Styles in the Office

Australia is very similar to the United States though there are many differences in culture. The business aspect of both cultures is different.

In the United States, the boss has an office on the top floor and is rarely seen mingling with the employees under him or her. Workers are very goal driven and live to work. Many people stay overtime to complete their work or show extra effort to give them an edge in hopes their boss notices. It is also rare for employees to go out to bars or party with their boss.

Australia, however, has a different set of values. The boss works on the same floor as the employees. In fact, it is very common for the boss to serve tea to the employees in the morning. In addition, the employees themselves are also goal driven, but work to live, unlike the American employee. It is rare for an Australian employee to work overtime because it is a cultural ideal to be with the family instead of at work. If the boss sees an employee is working overtime, it is noted as, the employee does not love their family or is inefficient at doing his or her job. In Australia Friday’s are when the boss takes the employees out to the bars or for big lunches where everyone chats and drinks alcohol.

The ways the boss and the employees work with each other as well as the way they perform their jobs are very different between the United States and Australian culture. I was able to integrate both my American business Culture and my new Australian Culture. I like being able to talk to my boss free and openly, as seen in the Australian cultures, and making sure my work is done professionally, as seen in the American culture. I had a hard time adjusting to Friday sessions with the boss at bars because in American Culture it would be seen as unprofessional to drink with your boss. However, I was able to integrate my need to be the professional American with the need to be a relaxed Australian employee.