So you Think Australians are Laid Back?

This week sees the release of a major study into international differences in personality, based on extensive Facet5 research. The study questions old stereotypes about our fellow nations, not least of all ourselves.

The study is based on over 25,000 items of Facet5 respondent data and focuses on eight countries; Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, New Zealand and the UK.

So you think the Australians are laid back?

Thought the Australians were more laid back than the British? Think again. The research shows that Australians are in fact more likely to be planners than the British, who are more creative, radical and uninhibited according to the data.

No longer should the British be seen as reserved and undemonstrative. Along with the Brazilians, we are shown to be the most friendly, energetic and enthusiastic of the nations. The Chinese, Danish, Greek and Hungarians are shown to be the less demonstrative, more reserved nations in the study.

Just as you always thought...

One stereotype that the data does support however is that the British are the nation least likely to be seen as domineering, stubborn and argumentative. – which perhaps explains our happiness to form an orderly queue and wait our turn. And we’d be well advised not to start an argument in Brazil, as the Brazilians receive the top honour in this category.

Other stereotypes given credibility by the study are that the most creative, free thinking nation in the study are the Danes, however on the flip side, this also makes them the most irresponsible! The Brazilian and Chinese samples were found to be the most caring, kind and trusting. The most astute and shrewd, being the Greeks.

The purpose of the study was to compare Chinese with Western culture. The results showed that the Chinese are more private and reflective, more people oriented and concerned for harmony, more questioning and cautious. Equally the Chinese are determined and disciplined.

From the Chinese perspective, Westerners are interfering, self-centred, short-term, over confident and self-satisfied.

Building relationships

So to build relationships the Chinese need to be more approachable and welcoming, be more willing to focus on the here and now and be less risk averse. While the west needs to have greater respect for privacy, take a longer term and more inclusive view and take time to explain and reassure.

For further information on this study into International Personality, please do get in contact.

For further information on Facet5, its norm groups and uses, click here.

If you are interested in learning more about our international capabilities, again, please do get in contact.  We would be more than happy to put you in touch with any one of our partners.  A list of whom can be found here.