Business Protocol and Etiquette: Rules and Norms

Official Protocol: Set of Norms

Social: Agreements that with time become universally used and accepted.

Business: Set of Conduct Agreements

Etiquette: Set of norms that have been created to facilitate our coexistence.

• Internal: Communication codes between employees
• External: Communication and behavior with third parties

Behavior of an Executive

• Set the rules
• Value their team
• Guide an organization internal conduct and its relationships with its customers, partners, and shareholders.

Introduction Rules: 12 Golden Rules

1. Respect hierarchy
2. Loyalty
3. Time management
4. Become part of the team with an open, flexible, collaborative attitude
5. Know how to follow leadership directions

Business Travel

• Unexpected: Crisis, emergency, require fast thinking and action
• Scheduled: Monthly conventions, visits, annual meetings
• Scheduled Trips:
  1. Date
  2. Traveler's needs
  3. Documentation
  4. Agenda
  5. Important contacts
  6. Time zones
  7. Language customs
  8. Food/allergies

Traveling Abroad

• Japanese: Greet people by 'sir'
• Europeans: No social kiss-handshake norm
• Hierarchy plays important role
• French prefer no business in English
• Don't wrap gifts in white paper
• Germans are very punctual
• 'No' is considered bad manners
• Corporate gifts are okay
• Arabs: Only eat with right hand, no left hand on the table
• Americans: Punctuality is essential
• Best moment for a meeting: Break/lunch
• Corporate gifts are not allowed (max $25)
• A deal is not confirmed until signed

Ethics and Integrity

1. Customers want to do business with a company they can trust
2. Leadership must be open for new ideas
3. Do everything in your power to gain trust of past customers
4. Re-evaluate all print materials so they are clear
5. Remain involved in the community
6. Take a hands-on approach with accounting and record-keeping
7. Treat others with maximum respect