CyberGuide
Business Etiquette
FROM: JAN-FEB 2004 ISSUE | BY ROBIN DAY
In today's global economy, hardly a day goes by when we aren't interacting with people from other cultures. This can lead to some painful experiences for those who don't do their homework in the etiquette department. Whether it's a simple thing or something more serious, breaches of etiquette can seriously harm a relationship. Fortunately, these Web pages can help you stay on the right side of the ledger in the manners department.
http://www.executiveplanet.com/
Executive Planet is an excellent starting point for business travelers, as it provides a guide to business culture and etiquette for over 40 of the world's top trading nations. Each country's listing includes information on public conduct, business dress, negotiating, and more.
http://www.hbcollege.com/management/students/bus_etiquette.htm
This site has plenty of excellent links to etiquette information. If you are feeling brave, go ahead and follow the link to the etiquette quiz to see if you need to read on.
http://www.etiquetteintl.com
The Etiquette International site offers plenty of tips on the dos and don'ts of local and international business. They also offer a free etiquette e-zine.
http://www.settlement.org/cp
The Cultural Profiles Project, completed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, is a great resource whether you are traveling abroad or entertaining foreign visitors. While not strictly an etiquette-related site, the profiles offer insights into dozens of countries and their cultures, allowing you to get a feel for different customs.
Etiquette is often as simple as a few basic table manners and good old common sense; when it isn't, turn to the Internet. One final note: get your elbows off the table and get back to work!
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Robin Day, MBA, CGA, teaches financial management at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. He is also president of Virtual Information Technologies Inc.E-mail rday@virtualit.ca.