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Unchanging Austria
Text: Complied by Nisan Danisman from www.executiveplanet.com
Geographically, historically and culturally, Austria plays a central role in Europe. Austria has given us the waltz, Sachertorte and 'The Sound of Music'. Austrians are calm, disciplined people who enjoy classical music. 20% of the population live in Vienna but Graz, Linz, Innsbruck and Salzburg are also important capitals of business.
Tips on making appointments
Austrians are sticklers for punctuality and expect others to observe the same courtesy. Arrive on time for all meetings and engagements. The Austrian transport system is efficient and reliable, so there should be no excuse for being late.
Tips on making a deal
Arrive on time for meetings. The German for "late" is "zu spat" which means "too late"; 5-10 minutes is "too late" for a subordinate and 15 minutes lateness constitutes a shaky start to anybusiness relationship.
Generally speaking, Austria has a more conservative business culture than Germany. It is less flexible, more ritualised. Austrians look askance at change. If you want to do things differently from the way they have been done, set out your reasons clearly.
Tips on making conversation
Austrian formality in business discussions caries over into personal conversations.
Do not refer to Austrians or their culture as German. Even Austrian German is very different from German in both vocabulary and pronunciation. German-speakers may struggle with the Austrian accent and regional dialects, especially if they are not already acquainted with Bavarian German.
Austrians have a good sense of humour. Still, unless you are confident of your command of German idiom, avoid making jokes, as they can be easily misconstrued.
Do not make idle promises during conversation. Austrians expect you to mean and do what you say you will.
Welcome topics of conversation include classical music, opera, architecture and winter sports. Topics to avoid include money, divorce, anti-Semitism and WWII.
Austrians rarely address people by first name. Use the courtesy titles Herr ["Mr"], Frau ["Mrs"] or Fräulein ["Miss"] followed by the surname unless invited to do otherwise. It is rude to refer to a third person even in their absence by his or her surname alone.
The protocol for letters, faxes, and even e-mails is also strictly formal.
Tips on giving gifts
In general, gifts are not exchanged in business. If an Austrian presents you with a gift, carry small presents with you so that you can reciprocate immediately. Your gift will be opened in front of you, not in private.
Tips on entertaining
Austrians may wait until negotiations are nearing completion before inviting you to a meal. It is crucial to make a good impression in these situations.
The meal will be preceded by drinks and appetizers. After dinner, you should expect to continue in conversation over coffee and brandy or liqueurs but aim to depart within an hour after the end of the meal. Dinner parties are always before midnight.
A hearty appetite is the norm in Austrian society and it is quite acceptable to display it in public. You should try to eat everything that is served to you.
In a restaurant do not wait to be seated, but do not under any circumstances sit at the "Stammtisch" which is reserved for regulars.
Tips on proper public behaviour
Conservatism is the key to business success in Austria. As befits a highly traditional nation, Austrians are very formal in public. Comport yourself with similar dignity and avoid doing anything that might draw attention to yourself. Do not dress or behave flamboyantly. Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
Try not to introduce yourself to others, but wait to be introduced by a third person whenever possible. Never keep your hands in your pockets when talking with others or even when standing alone. Do not jaywalk.
In accordance with Austrian etiquette, you should acknowledge people with a formal greeting before jumping into conversation; the most common salutation is "Grüß Gott". This applies equally to café staff, shop assistants, receptionists, etc.
Taxis cannot be hailed on the street. Either take a hotel taxi or go to one of the designated taxi ranks.
If you need to visit the bathroom, must ask for "das WC". Carry change either to pay the attendant or to insert a coin in the door to unlock the cubicle.
Avusturya Austria Unchanging Austria Değişmeyen Avusturya
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