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Technology Stocks : PCW - Pacific Century CyberWorks Limited

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To: ms.smartest.person who wrote (166)	1/28/2001 7:12:27 PM
From: ms.smartest.person	of 2248

G'day, it's Telstra's culture bastards By Glenda Korporaal 29jan01 A CULTURAL hit squad is about to descend on Hong Kong to do a bit of myth-busting and help workers there understand the the Aussie psyche, slang and use of irony they're about to experience through a joint venture with Telstra. About 60 senior staff of Pacific Century CyberWorks in Hong Kong will be familiarised with the informal Australian approach to interpersonal relations, and told not to be offended if they're called a bastard or given a nickname by someone they hardly know. The company has asked Austrade to provide "cultural diversity" briefings for its multi-billion-dollar joint venture with Telstra. Trade commissioner Duncan Cole says the seminars will give Asians "a feel for what particular things we might do in Australia that they might not be familiar with". "G'day mate? What does it mean? The way we have nicknames for people. Going for a few beers on Friday after work. The idea of the boss being on the floor with the staff rather than in an office." While Australians tend to be fairly open in talking to senior management, Mr Cole says, Chinese staff are more cautious. For example, senior trade commissioner Christopher Rees says that if an Australian dealing with an Asian person on the phone asked to speak to their boss to explain something they felt was not being understood, their Asian colleague would be "mortified". The Australian use of irony can also be a problem. "If someone calls someone a bastard it can be a term of friendship, but people from other countries can see it as an insult," Mr Rees says. "Australians tend not to say, 'I really like you and I am enjoying working with you'. They express it in different ways." Part of the exercise will be to knock down some myths, he says, such as that Australians are lazy, and can't wait to get to a barbecue after work. It is hoped similar briefings will be set up for Telstra staff in Australia. theaustralian.com.au

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