Appropriate Business Communications in New Zealand - Essay Example

?IV. People of Country A. Population Size for Country Currently, the population of New Zealand is approximately 4,451,017 individuals (New Zealand Statistical Database 1) B. Sex Ratio of Males to Females in Country Of this total population, recent statistical analysis indicate that 0.99 are male and 1.01 are female (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1) C. Age Groups and Age Distribution Among the Country’s Population The age distribtution exhibited within the population is divided into the four following categories: 0-14 20%, 15-39 36%, 40-64 32%, 64+ 14% (New Zealand Statistical Database 1) D. Population Growth in Country The most recent census, performed in 2011, indicates that the population growth is 0.9% (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). 1. Annual Growth Rate in Country The annual growth rate of the nation itself is 1.3%(Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). 2. Birth Growth Rate in Country Birth rates have remained steady and are currently contribute to an approximate growth rate of 1.0% per annum (New Zealand Statistical Database 1). 3. Fertility Growth Rate in Country As of statistics gathered, the fertility rate within the country stands at .04% (New Zealand Statistical Database 1) 2.1 children per female The average number of children per female member of the society works to 1.9 (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). 4. Net Migration Rate in Country The research notes that there are approximately 2.26 migrants per 1,000 individuals (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). E. Death Rate in Country Likewise, the current death rate within the country stands at 7.54 New Zealand Statistical Database 1). 1. Number of Deaths Per Thousand in Country In much the same way, the number of deaths per thousand individuals is 7.20 (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). 2. Infant Mortality Rate in Country Infant mortality comes in at at a low 5.59 (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). F. Life Expectancy Rate in the Country (in years) Current average life expectancy is 79.9 years (New Zealand Statistical Database 1).. 1. Life Expectancy at Birth in Country As one would expect from a well developed nation, the life expectancy at birth is only nominally higher at 80.1 years of age (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). 2. Life Expectancy for Total Population of Country Life expectancy for total population was noted to equate to 80.7 (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). 3. Life Expectancy for Males in Country The average life expectancy for a male is currently 78.4 years of age (New Zealand Statistical Database 1). 4. Life Expectancy for Females in Country Similarly, and not surprisingly, the average life extinct for females is nominally higher at 82.4 years of age (New Zealand Statistical Database 1). G. Ethnic Groups in Country (actual number and population percentage) Major ethnic groups include: Caucasian, Maori, Asian, Pacific islanders (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). 1. Number of Ethnic Groups in Country There are currently 4 major ethnic groups represented within the country (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). 2. Name and Size of Ethnic Groups in Country With regards to the name and size of the ethnic groups, the following statistics helps to shed light on the percentage totals exhibited: 78% European 14.6% Maori 9.2% Asian 6.9% Pacific islanders (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). H. Religious Groups in Country (population) Of the total population in New Zealand, approximately 2,924,318 consider themselves to be religiously affiliated (New Zealand Statistical Database 1). 1. Number of Religious Groups in Country Of the main and measurable religious groups within the country, New Zealand currently recognizes the existence of 22 separate and distinct groups (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). 2. Names and Size of Religious Groups in Country Of these groups, the majority are affiliated as follows: Christianity – 53.6% Undeclared – 7.7% Hinduism 1.7% Buddhism 1.4% (New Zealand Statistical Database 1). I. Spoken Languages Used in Country Of the spoken languages used in the country English and Maori* dominate the list. *it is important to note that although Maori is listed as an official language of the nation, there are many different varients of spoken and written Maori due to the cultural and linguistic differences found throughout the main islands as well as the smaller outlying islands that comprise New Zealand (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). 1. Number of Spoken Languages in Country Currently, there are 2 recognized spoken languages within the nation (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). 2. Percentage of Population Speaking Each Language in Country With regards to the percentages of the population that speaks these languages, the following percentages shed light on this question: 95.9% English 4.1% Maori (New Zealand Statistical Database 1). J. Literacy Rate in Country As one might expect, the nation has a 99% literacy rate (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1). 1. Definition of Literacy for the Country The New Zealand Ministry of Education states that literacy can be defined as “a complex web of reading, writing, speaking, listening, problem solving, creative thinking and numeracy skills" (Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook 1) 2. Percentage of the Population that is Literate in the Country Similarly, 99% of the population is literate (New Zealand Statistical Database 1). a. Percentage of the Total Population of Country that is Literate Similarly, 99% of the total population is literate (New Zealand Statistical Database 1).. b. Percentage of Literate Males in Country Similarly, 99% of the male population is literate (New Zealand Statistical Database 1).. c. Percentage of Literate Females in Country Similarly, 99% of the female population is literate (New Zealand Statistical Database 1). XIII. Conducting Business in Country A. The Proper Appearance – What is Appropriate Dress in the Country? Like with Australian or North America, dress in New Zealand is largely based upon traditional Western European fashion. This of course differentiates a great deal and can include everything from typical casual wear, shorts, t-shirt, and flip flops, to more formal business attire to include suits, sport jackets, and other traditional attire. Naturally, this is somewhat complicated by the inclusion of many distinctly Maori traditions and aesthetics which are ultimately absorbed into the distinct representation of New Zealand dress; however, for purposes of the business environment, it is reasonable to assume that with the exception of certain workplaces and/or national holidays which have a direct correlation to the national identity, standard business Western business dress is appropriate (Stevens 70). B. Appropriate Business Communications for the Country Similarly, with respect to appropriate business communications within the country, the same rules that apply to doing business within Western Europe, the United States, or Australia can easily apply. The deviations from the norms that exist within the aforementioned countries are so small as to be not worthy of great discussion or inclusion within this case study. It should be noted that although communication itself does not differ vastly from communication in the other nations that have been listed, the fact of the matter is that for those that are unfamiliar with it, New Zealand English can present more than a few problems of understanding; even for the accomplished or native English speaker (Starks 179). As a result of this, ensuring that any and all forms of business communication take place as a function of ensuring mutual understanding between both parties, at least in the opening stages, is an issue of the utmost importance to an entity or individual interested in doing business within New Zealand. 1. What is the Appropriate Greeting in the Country? As with any English speaking country, the following phrases are acceptable in a business or professional setting as a means of greeting one another: “Hello, Greetings, Good Afternoon, Good Day, Good Evening” etc (Chaney 19). 2. How Are Introductions Made Within the Country? Similarly, when introductions take place, it is usually best for interested parties to introduce individuals based upon their stature within the given firm/organization or as a function of the level of interaction that a given individual has had with a project. For instance, although it may be appropriate to introduce a known shareholder first, if a given individual who represents a higher level of authority or management is present, this individual should be introduced first (Clark 274). 3. What Are Appropriate Conversation Topics in the Country? Appropriate conversation topics can include a litany of topics as long as they would not be offensive to any individual; either present or not present. Similar rules of common decency in conversation as in other nations should also be observed (Wood 2). 4. What Are Inappropriate Conversation Topics in the Country? Conversations involving explicit discussions of race, religion, politics, or other controversial topics should be avoided as long as these do not have any particular relation to the business that is being discussed. If they do, they should be discussed sensitively; bearing in mind that it is highly likely that not all shareholders will hold the same view on these topics (Sweeny 479). Works Consulted Central Intelligence Agency. "CIA - The World Factbook." CIA World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency, 15 Jan. 2012. Web. 28 Jan. 2013. . Chaney, Lillian H., and Jeanette S. Martin. "Global Business Customs And Etiquette." Officepro 66.4 (2006): 18-21. Business Source Premier. Web. 2 Feb. 2013. Clark, Thomas. "The Business Profession." Business Communication Quarterly 68.3 (2005): 271-289. Business Source Premier. Web. 5 Feb. 2013. New Zealand Statistical Database. "National Population Estimates: March 2012 quarter - Statistics New Zealand." Home - Statistics New Zealand. New Zealand Stats Database, 7 Apr. 2011. Web. 28 Jan. 2013. . Starks, Donna. "National And Ethnic Identity Markers: New Zealand Short Front Vowels In New Zealand Maori English And Pasifika Englishes." English World-Wide 29.2 (2008): 176-193. Communication & Mass Media Complete. Web. 2 Feb. 2013. Stevens, Abigail. "When In Rome …: A Glimpse Of Global Business Etiquette." Accountancy Ireland 39.1 (2007): 70-71. Business Source Premier. Web. 2 Feb. 2013. Sweeney, Emma. "Accommodating Toward Your Audience." Journal Of Business Communication 47.4 (2010): 477-504. Business Source Premier. Web. 2 Feb. 2013. Wood, Donna J. "On Global Business Citizenship: Introduction To The Special Issue." Business & Society Review (00453609) 109.1 (2004): 1-3. Business Source Premier. Web. 2 Feb. 2013. Read More