Austrian Business Tips

Tip 1
Due to certain historical and cultural influences, Austrian companies tend towards a hierarchical approach to corporate structure.

Tip 2
Try to find the organisation chart of the company you are dealing with – it usually gives a close reflection of the way in which the company is actually organised.

Tip 3
Social partnership has, for a long time, been a central tenet of the Austrian approach to business. Co-operation and co-determination in industrial matters are of paramount importance.

Tip 4
Managers tend to be instructional and are expected to give direct instructions to subordinates.

Tip 5
In a country which tends towards the development of specialists, managers are usually sector-area experts. They know what they are talking about.

Tip 6
Charm and warmth are much prized characteristics and managers will strive to achieve a cosy relationship with colleagues.

Tip 7
People are expected to be very well prepared for meetings – do not arrive without having thought through the detail of the meeting in some depth.

Tip 8
If brainstorming meetings are to be held, it is best to make sure everybody knows exactly what is expected within the meeting and what the goals of the meeting are.

Tip 9
Punctuality is prized. Do not be late as this could be viewed as unprofessional behaviour.

Tip 10
A certain amount of small talk can be expected at the start of a meeting.

Tip 11
Do not assume that Austrians are exactly like Germans. Austria is a country with a great sense of history and a unique culture.

Tip 12
Meetings will be run in a methodical fashion with the agenda, by and large, adhered to. Try to avoid deviating from the set agenda unless it is absolutely unavoidable.

Tip 13
Meetings may be arranged early in the morning as Austrians tend to start at 8:00 am

Tip 14
In a meeting situation, avoid speaking for the sake of speaking. Speak only when you have something relevant to say about a topic which you are knowledgeable upon.

Tip 15
Cross-departmental teams can be difficult to manage as they cut across the normal hierarchical loyalties and lines.

Tip 16
Surnames are usually used in business circles as are academic and professional titles.

Tip 17
Try to be as direct and literal in your use of language as possible. Avoid the use of coded language which can be confusing.

Tip 18
Although women play a less significant role at senior management level than in some other countries, visiting female managers should have few problems and will be treated with professional courtesy and respect.

Tip 19
Dress code still tends towards the formal and it is best to wear conservative, business-formal attire this applies to both men and women.

Tip 20
Most business entertaining will be done at local restaurants. It is unusual to be invited to the home of a business colleague for a meal.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture.  Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Australia only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Austria only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.