Entrepreneurship…Is it Un-Australian?
Posted on July 2nd, 2008 | by Nick Grinberg |Is it part of the Australian culture to ‘hate-on’ other people that engage in entrepreneurship?
While a massive generalization, there is an interesting theory to suggest that us Australians are not too comfortable with entrepreneurship - and the innovation and success that can come with it.
Why?
The ‘tall poppy syndrome’ my friends. Well its the disdain and criticism that our culture naturally shows to those individuals of ‘higher’ perceived social status, wealth or political position then us. The celebrities, actors, sportsmen etc.
“The tall-poppy syndrome has meant different things to different Australians. To golfer Greg Norman, the tall-poppy syndrome meant a jealousy of success.”
“To tennis player Lleyton Hewitt, the tall-poppy syndrome meant cultural ignorance. After seeing his home crowd support a fellow youngster over him, Hewitt said it was the stupidity of the Australian public to knock the better players.”
“…When receiving an award at the 2002 Australia Day Awards, a scientist named Donald Metcalf said,
“I could name 11 colleagues whose accomplishments would exceed those of our cricket 11. They haven’t been entertaining people. They have been saving lives.”
(Source - Convict Creations)
We came for the crime…we stayed for beer
Lets not forget that we are a convict colony. Australian’s (apart from our indigenous and immigrants) were originally shipped over here on boats from the UK because we were naughty and stole some bread, pinched some butter or maybe went for a joy-ride on a colonial horse.
Well whatever - the point is we started off our proud countries history in chains.
So what did innovation mean to our convict founders? Well innovation may have seen a convict with a ‘good-idea’ or initiative gain favour with the guards - whilst his fellow prisoners worked to build roads and houses.
Convicts who got promoted into positions of authority were not usually favoured by their fellow prisoners.
Furthermore all the ‘non-convicts’ did their best to disassociate themselves from anything ‘Australian’ (which meant being a convict), and focused only on their English heritage.
No wonder we may have a teensy weensy bit of disdain for authority…
The Australian Entrepreneur
Don’t worry…they do exist! I think we just like them a little bit more humble and down-to-earth then other countries. Take someone like Dick Smith, who is a down to earth guy (multi millionaire of course) but is highly celebrated for his achievements.
We also revere in individuality - we like our entrepreneurs with a little bit of personality!
Lesson for the young’uns? Bahhh…screw the rules and do it your way (oh and then be humble!)
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4 Responses to “Entrepreneurship…Is it Un-Australian?”
By debbie on Jul 13, 2008 | Reply
I get what you are saying. I find that mainly words like investing and entrepreneur/business always manage to lift some eyebrows from my fellow mates. FIne, so they are not interested in the same things that i do but i cant help the feeling that everytime i mention those words or anything remotely related to my work they are always met with a slight hint of negativity in every remark. abit stressful to not have their support in doing something i love.
By Jem on Jul 13, 2008 | Reply
Although tall poppy syndrome is a document ‘disorder’ if you will of Australian society, from readings that I have done as well as my own intuition tall poppy syndrome is not jealousy of others. It is more of a cry for recognition in a way that breeds cynicism and narcissism. It is Australian to do it but, although a gross generalisation, it is also very un-Australian. People will generally listen and respect those that are doing well only shunning those whos efforts they deem as unacceptable in some way.
Good post yet again Mr Nic
By Prabir on Jul 23, 2008 | Reply
Honestly speaking entrepreneurship is something which many people dislike. I agree with Debbie, people raise their eyebrows….you know ahhh…smart *** attitude. Well you cannot help it, all you need is a passion and the drive/tenacity. The basic problem as Robert Kiyosaki had said is that our school/colleges programs you to work for someone else rather than yourself. Well in the western world as the middle class is rapidly shrinking, there will be only two choice …either to become an enterprenuer and get create jobs for other and help to boost the economy in whatever way you can or don’t do anything. The younger generation has ideas and innovations, all they need is to use it in the right manner …. a wishful thinking…….cheers
By leaderworld on Aug 18, 2008 | Reply
Good thoughts on Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship always need a drive to succeed.
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