Oz work culture- backstabbing?
Sep 19th 2003, 9:32 am
#1
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Oz work culture- backstabbing?
Hi everyone
Have any expats found that there is a different work culture in Australia?
We moved here from the UK earlier this year. My wife is a nurse, and she found it surprising that, whereas in the UK, nurses seemed to stick together and be supportive, here they are often sniping at each other, and running off to the manager to tell tales.
I started working at a factory recently, and blow me if I didn't find the same thing. There is very little camaraderie among the workers, and they are often being critical of each other, and again running off to the boss.
This is nothing to do with us being Brits, as we have both made friends and fitted in well. It is the Aussies doing being nasty to each other which I have been surprised at.
I was wondering- is this ususual, or this is the norm here?
Have any expats found that there is a different work culture in Australia?
We moved here from the UK earlier this year. My wife is a nurse, and she found it surprising that, whereas in the UK, nurses seemed to stick together and be supportive, here they are often sniping at each other, and running off to the manager to tell tales.
I started working at a factory recently, and blow me if I didn't find the same thing. There is very little camaraderie among the workers, and they are often being critical of each other, and again running off to the boss.
This is nothing to do with us being Brits, as we have both made friends and fitted in well. It is the Aussies doing being nasty to each other which I have been surprised at.
I was wondering- is this ususual, or this is the norm here?
Sep 19th 2003, 9:39 am
#2
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2002
Location: Dream life UK....
Posts: 2,912
Re: Oz work culture- backstabbing?
Originally posted by ozduffs
Hi everyone
Have any expats found that there is a different work culture in Australia?
We moved here from the UK earlier this year. My wife is a nurse, and she found it surprising that, whereas in the UK, nurses seemed to stick together and be supportive, here they are often sniping at each other, and running off to the manager to tell tales.
I started working at a factory recently, and blow me if I didn't find the same thing. There is very little camaraderie among the workers, and they are often being critical of each other, and again running off to the boss.
This is nothing to do with us being Brits, as we have both made friends and fitted in well. It is the Aussies doing being nasty to each other which I have been surprised at.
I was wondering- is this ususual, or this is the norm here?
Hi everyone
Have any expats found that there is a different work culture in Australia?
We moved here from the UK earlier this year. My wife is a nurse, and she found it surprising that, whereas in the UK, nurses seemed to stick together and be supportive, here they are often sniping at each other, and running off to the manager to tell tales.
I started working at a factory recently, and blow me if I didn't find the same thing. There is very little camaraderie among the workers, and they are often being critical of each other, and again running off to the boss.
This is nothing to do with us being Brits, as we have both made friends and fitted in well. It is the Aussies doing being nasty to each other which I have been surprised at.
I was wondering- is this ususual, or this is the norm here?
I would say tho, very bitchy in general and that includes blokes.
Low wages and long hours dont breed happiness.
Sep 19th 2003, 9:42 am
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Oz work culture- backstabbing?
Originally posted by ozduffs
Hi everyone
Have any expats found that there is a different work culture in Australia?
We moved here from the UK earlier this year. My wife is a nurse, and she found it surprising that, whereas in the UK, nurses seemed to stick together and be supportive, here they are often sniping at each other, and running off to the manager to tell tales.
I started working at a factory recently, and blow me if I didn't find the same thing. There is very little camaraderie among the workers, and they are often being critical of each other, and again running off to the boss.
This is nothing to do with us being Brits, as we have both made friends and fitted in well. It is the Aussies doing being nasty to each other which I have been surprised at.
I was wondering- is this ususual, or this is the norm here?
Hi everyone
Have any expats found that there is a different work culture in Australia?
We moved here from the UK earlier this year. My wife is a nurse, and she found it surprising that, whereas in the UK, nurses seemed to stick together and be supportive, here they are often sniping at each other, and running off to the manager to tell tales.
I started working at a factory recently, and blow me if I didn't find the same thing. There is very little camaraderie among the workers, and they are often being critical of each other, and again running off to the boss.
This is nothing to do with us being Brits, as we have both made friends and fitted in well. It is the Aussies doing being nasty to each other which I have been surprised at.
I was wondering- is this ususual, or this is the norm here?
dont know if this is the norm, but it is a coincidence to say the least.
Sep 19th 2003, 10:10 am
#4
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Maybe it is the norm here then.
Guess I'll just have to make sure none of my work mates are looking when I nick the office stationery in future.
Guess I'll just have to make sure none of my work mates are looking when I nick the office stationery in future.
Sep 19th 2003, 10:21 am
#5
Banned
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,432
Come across one or two I can remember. Unfortunately, Aus English does not have an adequate vocabulary for discussing it apart from calling someone a "weasel" - someone seeking to secretly undermine another for their own aggrandizement - hardly an adequate condemnation.
"Brown nosing" I think means the same in Aus - obsequiousness.
"Grassed up" - rarely if ever used - means "informed on"?
Does Brit English have any more powerful words of derision than "weasel"?
Suggest you chew out the weasels with a well aimed venomous vocabulary - suspect they will at least respect you more - judge the strength of the blow required carefully.
"Brown nosing" I think means the same in Aus - obsequiousness.
"Grassed up" - rarely if ever used - means "informed on"?
Does Brit English have any more powerful words of derision than "weasel"?
Suggest you chew out the weasels with a well aimed venomous vocabulary - suspect they will at least respect you more - judge the strength of the blow required carefully.
Sep 19th 2003, 10:33 am
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 45
C'mon you lot.... A little less Sterotyping needed here I think......
People are people the world over, Australia is akin to 'bitchyness' in the same way that the uk / the rest of the world is..... It takes all sorts.
I've worked in jobs in the uk with loads of narrow minded people who sit around all day gossiping / bitching, I'm also work in great teams where everyone just gets on and has fun.
If you dont like the bitchyness @ work, get another job, you dont like bitchyness in your social circles, move in different circles.
If I had to impress a sweeping statement, I'd actually say that the friends I have made whilst visiting Oz actually seemed more positive / upbeat about life in general that the UK counterparts, people seem more 'content' with their lot in Oz and LESS inclined to Bitch.
People are people the world over, Australia is akin to 'bitchyness' in the same way that the uk / the rest of the world is..... It takes all sorts.
I've worked in jobs in the uk with loads of narrow minded people who sit around all day gossiping / bitching, I'm also work in great teams where everyone just gets on and has fun.
If you dont like the bitchyness @ work, get another job, you dont like bitchyness in your social circles, move in different circles.
If I had to impress a sweeping statement, I'd actually say that the friends I have made whilst visiting Oz actually seemed more positive / upbeat about life in general that the UK counterparts, people seem more 'content' with their lot in Oz and LESS inclined to Bitch.
Sep 19th 2003, 11:15 am
#7
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 10
I’ve worked with many Aussies over the years in the UK (there’s one sitting across the desk from me now) and to a man and woman I’ve found them great to get on with. They all work and play hard. I’ve never found any evidence of backstabbing. I’ve done some freelance work for Australian companies and have joined the professional association for Australian illustrators and cartoonists and have recieved nothing but a warm welcome and as much help as I need.
When I was in Australia last time I visited some propective employers/clients and got a very positive reaction. I sure it’s different when you live in a country but at present I have a very good impression and am looking forward to working in Oz.
When I was in Australia last time I visited some propective employers/clients and got a very positive reaction. I sure it’s different when you live in a country but at present I have a very good impression and am looking forward to working in Oz.
Sep 19th 2003, 11:27 am
#8
Nov 27th 2003: Brisbane
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Neath
Posts: 172
I've worked in the manufacturing industry for a fair few years, working for both TRW and Toyota.
I have worked on the shop floor, fork lift driver, CNC machine operator and am at present a shift supervisor.
No matter which role I have ever undertaken, I have always come accross people who will stab you in the back if it suits them, colour, nationality, size, colour of hair........the list is endless......i'm afraid thats just people in general......
I find that as long as you treat people how you would like to be treated, then generally you will get it back.
Of course, there will always be the exceptions.
As an Englishman living in Wales for many years, I could probably count on one hand people who REALLY hate the English, whereas most of them Just hate us on matchday during the rugby!
I haven't worked in Australia yet.....thats something that is actually playing on my mind, but, from my previous experiances.......I'd say, dont take no shit. Stand up for yourself and confront anyone who wants cause trouble for you, at least that way, they will be aware that you are watching them.
All the best
(I don't know if i've just given you advice......or myself!) LOL
I have worked on the shop floor, fork lift driver, CNC machine operator and am at present a shift supervisor.
No matter which role I have ever undertaken, I have always come accross people who will stab you in the back if it suits them, colour, nationality, size, colour of hair........the list is endless......i'm afraid thats just people in general......
I find that as long as you treat people how you would like to be treated, then generally you will get it back.
Of course, there will always be the exceptions.
As an Englishman living in Wales for many years, I could probably count on one hand people who REALLY hate the English, whereas most of them Just hate us on matchday during the rugby!
I haven't worked in Australia yet.....thats something that is actually playing on my mind, but, from my previous experiances.......I'd say, dont take no shit. Stand up for yourself and confront anyone who wants cause trouble for you, at least that way, they will be aware that you are watching them.
All the best
(I don't know if i've just given you advice......or myself!) LOL
Sep 19th 2003, 11:30 am
#9
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Joined: Jul 2003
Location: South Perth
Posts: 307
Re: Oz work culture- backstabbing?
i cannot comment on working in Oz as i have not yet done so. But people are 'bitchy' anywhere where you are new. Also we are also 'different' so thats probably another factor which leads to 'being excluded and therfore grassed upon'. From what I have heard from ozzies who come here to work ( and take our jobs !!) they seem to think we dont work as hard as them ( specifically in my work sector) which scares me as i think i work hard here so when i get there i will be very knackered.....
hmmmm interesting.....
hmmmm interesting.....
Sep 19th 2003, 11:35 am
#10
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Posts: n/a
Originally posted by BrisbaneBrummie
As an Englishman living in Wales for many years, I could probably count on one hand people who REALLY hate the English, whereas most of them Just hate us on matchday during the rugby!
As an Englishman living in Wales for many years, I could probably count on one hand people who REALLY hate the English, whereas most of them Just hate us on matchday during the rugby!
fair enough at the moment your rugby team is probably the second best in the world (after the all blacks), but mark hughes men would give england a good test and it would be a good game.
and as for me personally i like the english , although i couldnt eat a whole one.
Sep 19th 2003, 11:53 am
#11
No need for rose tinted.
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Somewhere in between.
Posts: 144
In 5 years working there never experienced it any more than was rife in UK workplaces, however did find the "Tall Poppy Syndrome" a very Ozzie thing.
Sep 19th 2003, 12:15 pm
#12
Nov 27th 2003: Brisbane
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Neath
Posts: 172
LOL @ Welshboy!!!
Hmmm.....think the English Rugby team is the best in the world at the moment......but the football team......yep, I think Wales would give them more than just a good game. Hope Wales qualify for Portugal next year!
Hmmm.....think the English Rugby team is the best in the world at the moment......but the football team......yep, I think Wales would give them more than just a good game. Hope Wales qualify for Portugal next year!
Sep 19th 2003, 12:53 pm
#13
Gone Senile Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Location: Sydney
Posts: 3,014
Originally posted by j4yne
In 5 years working there never experienced it any more than was rife in UK workplaces, however did find the "Tall Poppy Syndrome" a very Ozzie thing.
In 5 years working there never experienced it any more than was rife in UK workplaces, however did find the "Tall Poppy Syndrome" a very Ozzie thing.
I got a transfer in work because of my knowledge of the product I work on, a development position and found I was given a testing position for 8 months. A testing position I hope I proved myself in. I was told many times that before I was transferred they (aus team) heard about my skills and thought they would test me out! I have no illusions about why people the world over wouldn't like a new person coming in and being told before hand they are good.......I expected that and dealt with it....tall poopy!!!!
I find it an expression here for bad taste in person mouth (jealous?).
Do we not have it the world over?
Sep 19th 2003, 1:23 pm
#14
No need for rose tinted.
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Somewhere in between.
Posts: 144
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sandra
I do not understand the tall poppy syndrome...have read up about it....but what is it really?
My freinds who are Ozzies say tall poppy syndrom is when one stands out amongst the others and the other ones do not like it so try and chop it down to their size. or slag it off for bieng so tall and succesful.
I do not understand the tall poppy syndrome...have read up about it....but what is it really?
My freinds who are Ozzies say tall poppy syndrom is when one stands out amongst the others and the other ones do not like it so try and chop it down to their size. or slag it off for bieng so tall and succesful.
Sep 19th 2003, 1:35 pm
#15
Gone Senile Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Location: Sydney
Posts: 3,014
[QUOTE]Originally posted by j4yne
Thanks for that....so it is a form of jealously!
So how does a successful person find success? Ignore those around, and possibly not find friends? Not coming back against you personally just interested in what makes it here.
Cheers
Originally posted by Sandra
I do not understand the tall poppy syndrome...have read up about it....but what is it really?
My freinds who are Ozzies say tall poppy syndrom is when one stands out amongst the others and the other ones do not like it so try and chop it down to their size. or slag it off for bieng so tall and succesful.
I do not understand the tall poppy syndrome...have read up about it....but what is it really?
My freinds who are Ozzies say tall poppy syndrom is when one stands out amongst the others and the other ones do not like it so try and chop it down to their size. or slag it off for bieng so tall and succesful.
So how does a successful person find success? Ignore those around, and possibly not find friends? Not coming back against you personally just interested in what makes it here.
Cheers