Types of Business Etiquette

by Michael Wolfe ; Updated September 26, 2017

Business etiquette is the set of manners

and social standards considered
respectful in the business world.
Business etiquette comes into play in a
number of situations, including when
dealing with coworkers, clients, service
providers and superiors. Although there
are countless situations that involve
business etiquette -- from conference
calls to client dinners -- most forms of
business etiquette can be grouped into
one of several di erent types.

Hiring Etiquette
Hiring etiquette deals with the conduct of both employers and prospective employees during the
hiring process. This form of etiquette deals with such subjects as when and how a job seeker
should contact a company that is hiring, how both parties are supposed to behave during a job
interview and the proper method by which the two parties negotiate the conditions of
employment, such as salary, bene ts and duties.

Workplace Etiquette
The standards governing how employees act in a workplace fall under the heading of workplace
etiquette. Workplace etiquette refers to how employees interact with each other and how
employees conduct themselves independently of one another. For example, this type of etiquette
spells out how members of a company address one another and how each member is required to
dress for work.

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Customer Etiquette
Customer etiquette is a set of rules for interacting with customers in a business setting. This type
of etiquette primarily deals with how companies should communicate with customers. The
communication can take many forms, including face-to-face communication at the point of sale,
customer service by phone or email, or even written information provided to customers when they
purchase a product or service.

Social Etiquette
Social etiquette in business refers to etiquette used during professional socializing. For example,
members of a company must observe a number of rules of conduct when taking a client to dinner.
For multinational businesses, this social etiquette can be tricky, as what is considered polite in one
culture may not be considered polite in another.

Communications Etiquette
One type of business etiquette that is constantly evolving is that associated with the use of
communication devices, such as phones and computers. This branch of etiquette outlines when a
person can use these devices -- for example, when a person can take a call during a meeting -- and
how people should use them -- for example, how to phrase an email to your boss.
References

Ravenwerks: Business Etiquette - More Than Just Eating with the Right Fork
Emily Post: Business Etiquette

About the Author

Michael Wolfe has been writing and editing since 2005, with a background including both business
and creative writing. He has worked as a reporter for a community newspaper in New York City
and a federal policy newsletter in Washington, D.C. Wolfe holds a B.A. in art history and is a
resident of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Photo Credits

Adam Berry/Getty Images News/Getty Images

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