1. Business Etiquette
1. Business Etiquette
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Business Etiquette: The Key to Professional Success
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Business etiquette refers to the norms or standard of behavior observed within
organizations, which enhances the ability to forge good business relations and establishes
an individual's good standing in organizations. Business etiquette does not merely refer to
having proper table manners or even dressing appropriately for a business occasion; it
involves appropriate language, understanding and respecting other cultures, and ethical
practice that fosters organizational relationships and cooperation. Politeness is a valuable
skill for anyone who wants to climb the career ladder because it makes the person look
professional and respect counterparts at the workplace (Pachter, 2013).
In the present stage of the development of modern society, business etiquette plays
a vital role in establishing effective communication. This is classified into verbal
communication, which may include the use of the lips, tongue, and mouth while speaking,
together with non-verbal communication, including eye contact, gestures, and posture.
Interpersonal communication should be professional and unambiguous since
misunderstandings often cause tension. For instance, refraining from using abusive
language and rewarding follow-up listening could do wonders in ensuring that everyone at
the workplace avoids creating complications. According to Barbara Pachter (2013), people
are encouraged to listen actively while avoiding looking down to show weakness. However,
apart from maintaining formal tones, another important consideration in business
communication relates to politeness in apology/projection of gratitude and use of
appreciative corrective feedback, as pointed out by Pachter (2013).
Business dress code is another important aspect of business etiquette since it
demonstrates company respect for organizational corporate culture. While business
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clothing is likely different for different organizations, it can consist of formal wear, business
formal wear, or less formal business outfits. Hurn and Tomalin (2013) argue that the dress
code is one of the essentials that an employee of an organization needs to respect since it is
one of the first glimpses of the organization the employee is going to give to clients and his
fellow employees. Appropriate dress code not only presents respect for professionalism but
also respect for people and the surrounding atmosphere. Employee Dress Code is most
relevant in organizations that come into direct contact with clients and customers, as the
dress code helps to build the confidence of the clients/customers.
Cultures are increasingly becoming sensitive in the global marketplace, especially
when doing business with people from different nations. Cultural sensitivity means
familiarity with and acceptance of other cultures and how they conduct themselves and
communicate. For example, rules of etiquette in one culture may differ from those of a
different culture. The literature has revealed that global ventures that are culturally
sensitive within their enterprises are better positioned to establish and sustain good
relationships and reduce tensions (Hurn & Tomalin, 2013). According to McLean(2016),
considering cultural sensitivity, besides helping to prevent accidental unpleasantness,
significantly contributes to creating a more inviting organizational culture.
Business etiquette becomes an essential ingredient of business success in a given
enterprise. If a person learns what and how to communicate, when and to whom to dress,
and how not to offend the culture, an individual can improve clients' perception of him/her,
deal with subordinates properly, and avoid offending or being offended by cultural beliefs.
Business manners are an essential tool that can assist anyone in the working world and help
that person stand out from competitors. Abiding by these etiquette standards shows
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employees' professional regard for others, clients, and even themselves in the quest for
effective relationships with others, trust, cooperation, and promotions.
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References
Hurn, B. J., Tomalin, B., Hurn, B. J., & Tomalin, B. (2013). Teaching Cross-Cultural
Communication. Cross-Cultural Communication: Theory and Practice, pp. 274 -
293. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9780230391147_15
McLean, S. (2016). Business Etiquette for Dummies. John Wiley & Sons.
Pachter, B. (2013). The Essentials of Business Etiquette: How to Greet, Eat, and
Tweet Your Way to Success. McGraw-Hill Education.
https://www.amazon.com/Essentials-Business-Etiquette-Success-2013-07-
30/dp/B00HRD3PDW