Business etiquette refers to the set of expected behaviors and professional conduct that facilitate respectful and effective interactions in the workplace. It serves as the foundation for building strong professional relationships, enhancing communication, and maintaining a positive corporate image. This introductory module explores the importance of practicing proper etiquette in various business settings. It provides an overview of the rules and norms governing behavior in professional environments, including meetings, communication, dressing, and interpersonal interactions. Understanding business etiquette helps individuals present themselves with confidence, avoid misunderstandings, and contribute to a culture of professionalism. In a globalized business world, where cultural diversity is prominent, being aware of business etiquette is essential for career growth and international collaboration.

1. INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS
ETIQUETTE
Dr DINESH S
Assistant Professor
Management Sciences
Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts & Science
(Autonomous)
Coimbatore - 641 006
Tamil Nadu, India

2. Etiquette :Nature and Definition
• Etiquette is common courtesy, good manners,
• Conducting ourselves in a cultured way
• Etiquette is defined as “ the forms, manners
and ceremonies established by convention as
acceptable or required in social relations, in a
profession, or in official life.”

3. Business Etiquette
• Business Etiquette is the way we conduct ourselves while
doing business.
• Business Etiquette is concerned with acceptable
behaviour at the workplace.
• It covers the following:
• Dealing with customers , clients, co workers, strangers
• Attending business meetings, meal time behaviour, social
gatherings
• Telephone and e mail communication
• Personal grooming

4. Fundamental features
• Concern, care, kindness, compassion
• Punctuality
• Respect for elders,seniors,women
• Treating all on the basis of equality
• Putting people at ease
• Business etiquette means conducting
ourselves in a cultured and refined manner
• This ensures goodwill.

5. Etiquette at the workplace
• Telephone etiquette
• Mobile phone/gadget etiquette
• Handshake etiquette
• Cubicle etiquette
• Office etiquette
• Business meal etiquette
• Business card etiquette

6. Telephone etiquette
• Telephone etiquette helps us to present a
good image of the organization in the foll
ways:
• Greeting properly and providing correct basic
info about the org, yourself and person you
want to contact
• Answering promptly. Don’t keep the caller
waiting or keep transferring the call. Take
down messages that have to be passed on.

7. Telephone etiquette
• Speak politely in a normal voice, not too loud
nor too soft.
• Do not mumble, spell out words
• End the call politely. Don’t be abrupt.
• Repeat/recap the discussion/message briefly
• Keep pen and paper to jot down imp points.
• Don’t do other things while using the phone –
eating, talking, smoking

8. Mobile etiquette
• Keep mobile phone switched off/silent at
meetings, religious places, functions.
• For urgent calls keep phone on vibrator mode
and call back later.
• Always speak in a low voice
• Avoid discussing private or company matters
publicly
• Keep your ring tone low

9. Mobile/ Email etiquette
• All communication should not be sent as text
messages
• Avoid typing in caps as it means shouting
• E mail :Netiquette
• Include a subject line
• Acknowledge and give quick response
• Observe rules of grammar, spelling, precision
and courtesy

10. Netiquette
• Avoid jargon and abbreviations
• Avoid too many group mails
• Respect privacy and send personal mails
• Clear your mail
• Avoid sending spam

11. Handshake etiquette
• The handshake is the beginning or the
conclusion of any discussion, business
transaction
• Handshake may be offered to:
• Business contacts, social acquaintances, staff
members
• To congratulate someone
• To greet or take leave of guests, hosts , social
contacts

12. Hand shake etiquette
• To be cautious :
• With a superior. Wait for them to offer first.
• With someone who is uncomfortable
• With someone who is pre-occupied
• With someone with whom you have nothing
to say/share

13. Handshake etiquette
• Quality of hand shake:
• Brief and formal
• Strong and firm
• Use only one hand
• Don’t use sweaty palms
• A lady should extend her full hand not just
fingers

14. Cubicle Etiquette
• Today we have open plan offices with cubicles
and rooms with glass partitions.
• We need to treat this as a workplace and
observe some rules :
• Treat other’s cubicles as private offices
• Ask permission to walk in/out
• Ask if the person has time to spare for you
• Avoid reading the screen on other’s
computers

15. Cubicle Etiquette
• Do not keep borrowing items from a
colleague’s desk all the time.
• Don’t have conversations over the partitions
and disturb others.
• Do not eavesdrop.
• Speak softly inside your cubicle, don’t use a
speaker phone, radio etc
• Avoid strong fragrances and odours.

16. Office Etiquette
• Introductions :
• Introduce yourself fully. Pay attention when
others introduce themselves.
• When you are being introduced stand up.
• Take the initiative to introduce yourself to
others and introduce people to others.
• Always introduce the junior to the senior.

17. Office Etiquette
• Courtesy:
• Be as courteous to juniors as you are to
seniors.
• Acknowledge and appreciate people and their
work.
• Don’t point at people always use an open
palm when referring to a person.
• Be a part of office gatherings. Don’t skip them
unless it is necessary.

18. Office Etiquette
• Courtesy:
• Follow the dress code
• Always use ‘Please’ Thank you’ and ‘Sorry’ in a
sincere manner.
• Consideration:
• Always be on time.
• Keep to schedules and deadlines.
• Listen to people.Give them your full attention.

19. Office Etiquette
• Consideration:
• Don’t get distracted by gadgets.
• Don’t be judgmental with people who make
mistakes. Help them improve.
• Do not interrupt.
• Avoid gossip
• Use of Common Facilities:
• Use photocopying machine and printer
responsibly.

20. Office Etiquette
• Be accountable for office stationery. Do not
misuse.
• Office utilities are for all . Ensure that
everyone can use them at all times.

21. Business Meal Etiquette
• As the Host :
• Try to find out the diet preferences of the
guest – vegetarian /non vegetarian, diet
restrictions
• Order the food preferred by your guest
• Select the venue where the guest will be
comfortable- not too casual/inexpensive
• Make a reservation, receive the guest. For
outstation guest arrange for a pick up.

22. Business Meal Etiquette
• As Guest :
• Reach the venue in time. If late then inform
the host.
• Don’t order the most expensive items.Avoid
alcohol.
• Order food that is easy to handle, is not
difficult or messy to eat.
• Wait for everyone to be served before you
start eating.

23. Business Meal Etiquette
• Mobile phones and gadgets to be switched off
or kept silent. Urgent calls may be taken with
permission.
• Sit erect with elbows off the table.
• Sit with the napkin folded on your lap. Don’t
use it as a bib.
• Place cutlery on the plate while/after eating.
Use one hand to hold cutlery, cups or glasses.

24. Meal Etiquette
• Take small bites. Drink small gulps of liquid.
• Eat silently. Don’t make noise with cutlery.
• Don’t blow to cool your soup, tea etc.
• Don’t spill your food or drink.
• Don’t speak with food in your mouth.
• Try to finish your meal with others. Don’t
delay the group.

25. Meal Etiquette
Don’t eat in silence. Make small talk.
When you finish eating don’t pile up the
crockery or push the plate away.
Be courteous to the serving staff.
The host should make arrangements for the bill
to be paid.

26. Business Card Etiquette
• Business cards are usually exchanged at first
meetings and business gatherings.
• They are useful for networking.
• Dos :
• Design a neat and smart business card.
• Carry enough cards with you.
• Give your card facing the receiver so that he
can read it without turning it around.

27. Business Card Etiquette
• Dos :
• Comment on the logo/ name/business when
you receive a card.
• Give your card to someone who asks for it or
shows interest in your work.
• If you want to give your card to someone then
ask for his/her card, he will reciprocate.

28. Business Card Etiquette
• Don’ts :
• Don’t hand over frayed, soiled, crumpled
cards.
• Don’t use cards with old details. Use updated
ones.
• Don’t hand out cards to all and sundry.
• Don’t write notes on someone else’s card
unless it is related to him/her.

29. THANK YOU