AustriaBy: Taylor Cowan

Introduction• Austria is located in central Europe.• Population:8,384,745• Area: 32, 383 sq. ft.

Business Greetings• Men and Women will typically shake hands at business

meetings.• It is proper shake hands with the women in the room first,

but you must wait for the woman to extend her hand first. • Some men from Austria will kiss the hand of the woman

but its not acceptable for any man not from Austria.

Business Attire• Men should wear navy blue or black business suits with

a shirt and tie, and polished shoes in a formal office setting.

• Women can wear business suits or dresses,• It isn’t appropriate for women to wear accessories that

are very expensive or noticeable.• Most offices in Austria are “business casual.”

Addressing Others….• It is usually best to refer to Austrian Professionals by

“Herr” (Mr.) or “Frau”(Mrs.) or “Fräulein “(Miss) followed by the last name unless told otherwise.

• Considered rude to address anyone in third-person by his or her surname alone.

• Austrians are very title-conscious .

Gift Giving• It isn’t required to give gifts when attending at initial

business meetings.• If you do give a gift, it is appreciated.• It is acceptable to give souvenirs from a home country.• A gift of chocolates or fine wine is acceptable when

invited into an Austrian’s home.• Flowers are also acceptable in odd numbers.

Making Appointments• Austrians typically schedule weeks, or months in

advance.• It is very important to arrive on time for meeting or other

activities.• Avoid scheduling an appointment in August or near

Christmas time, because many Austrians schedule lengthy trips.

• Preferred times for appointments are 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Austrian Table Manners• Most of the time, meals will be come before drinks and

appetizers.• The host of the meal or event will begin with a toast.

Don’t• Don’t put your hands in

your lap. • Shouldn’t start eating until

the hostess does so.• Don’t allow your elbows to

rest on the table.

Do• If possible, you should cut

your food with your fork.• Place your fork and knife

diagonally to signal that your done.

• Your hands should be visible at all times.

Austrian Food• Austrian Cuisine is mostly similar to that found in

Southern Germany.• It has a heavy consistency mainly involving large

portions of meat – pork, sausage and game are all popular dishes.

• They are usually accompanied by noodles, dumplings, or potatoes with a side salad.

Conversation Topics• Having a knowledge of Austrian history and culture

shows an awareness of the uniqueness to Austria.• Austrians expect you to mean what you say, and say

what you mean.• Humor does not belong at a formal business meeting.• You should have some knowledge of the German

language before you go. At least basic ‘restaurant’ German.

Conversation Topics Avoid Talking About…• Money• Separation and

divorce• Religion• Anti-Semitism• Austria’s role during

World War II

You should talk about…• Classical Music• Opera• Austrian Art and

Culture• Winter Sports

Conclusion• Austria is a great place to take a business trip.• They are not too harsh with their rules.• They are very friendly and welcoming people.

Resources• http://www.ehow.com/about_6471279_international-etiquette-business

.html• http://www.ehow.com/about_6109183_international-business-etiquette

-manners.html• http://www.ideamarketers.com/?international_business_etiquette&arti

cleid=930035• http://kwintessential.co.uk/articles/international-business-etiquette.htm

l

• http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Austria