Austria: Public Behaviour - Part 1

From ExecutivePlanet.com

Acceptable public conduct

Respect, conservatism, and a respect for conservatism are the keys to business success in Austria.

As befits a highly traditional nation, Austrians conduct themselves in public with a tremendous amount of polite formality. You should, therefore, comport yourself with similar dignity and avoid doing anything that might draw attention to yourself:

Do not dress flamboyantly [or scruffily];

Avoid exaggeration and extravagant compliments;

Avoid public displays of affection and even casual pats on the back;

Try not to introduce yourself to others, but wait to be introduced by a third person whenever possible;

Look your interlocutor directly in the eyes both when listening and when talking [otherwise you may seem insincere];

Attract another person's attention by raising your index finger with your palm open and facing outward.

Never keep your hands in your pockets when talking with others or even when standing alone [older Austrians in particular find this offensively bad manners];

Keep your hands above the table when dining [placing the hands below the table is considered impolite in many European countries];

Do not jaywalk [even when there is no traffic in sight, Austrians normally obey the 'don't walk' sign, not because of the fine, but because of their respect for authority].

Courtesy and an almost exaggerated politeness are integral features of Austrian behaviour. Viennese Schmalz may not be to everyone's taste but it is more than just skin-deep and is rooted in genuine respect for others.

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 includes everyone in the room [and applies equally to café staff, shop assistants, receptionists, indeed anyone you meet in whatever context] and not just your primary contacts. If you know the positions of the people you are meeting, extend your hand to the most senior individuals first. When shaking hands, be sure to give a quick yet confident handshake. Men should wait for a woman to initiate any handshake.

As in most European countries, a handshake should be extended when leaving as a way of confirming what has been discussed and solidifying your friendship. Again, it is impolite to take one's leave from any room or building without saying Auf Wiedersehen or Auf Wiederschauen to all those present.

Women are often still treated with a greater degree of ritualised respect by men. Some older Austrians, in fact, may take the woman's hand [always after she has offered it] and raise it towards their lips as they bow from the waist saying küßdiehand, gnädige Frau. It is important that the hand does not actually touch the lips and that the 'kiss' is merely symbolic. Like a handshake between men, this gesture may even be accompanied by a gentle clicking of the heels.

Submit a Comment on this Article