Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, Sales and Marketing: The Essential Cultural Guide—From Presentations and Promotions to Communicating and Closing

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?

Promptness in business situations is very important in Australia. You are expected to arrive on time or early for appointments; being late conveys disinterest and disrespect. Nevertheless, the anti-authoritarian attitude of some Australians sometimes manifests itself in tardiness. This is particularly difficult if you are employing Australians. Some employers claim that, in order to get an employee to be prompt, you must show an employee why being late causes problems.

Different rules apply to social events. It’s important to be on time to small gatherings or dinners, whereas at larger parties or barbecues, the timing ...