Etiquette and Protocol: A Guide to Social and Professional Conduct
What are Etiquette and Protocol?
Etiquette and protocol are essential aspects of social and professional interactions. They:
- Promote thoughtfulness, good manners, respect, politeness, and consistency in communication.
- Empower individuals with critical social skills.
- Enhance customer and staff relationships (behavior breeds behavior).
- Help executives handle themselves effectively and confidently.
- Make international relations more efficient.
- Ensure events and actions proceed in an orderly manner.
Importance of Protocol
- A form of protection.
- A means of establishing and maintaining relationships.
- A tactical “weapon.”
Code of Behavior
A code of behavior encompasses:
- The rules of social interaction, good breeding, politeness, and attentiveness.
- Written and unwritten rules.
- Influences from law, morality, and social conventions.
The aim is to make life more pleasant in small and large communities and society at large.
Defining Etiquette and Protocol
- Both represent the norms and culture of a country.
- To a certain extent, they are synonyms; they guide how to do things correctly.
- Both concern formal matters: how to appear, behave in different situations, and show respect.
- Etiquette is the concept, while protocol is the result of adopting etiquette.
Etiquette
- The prescribed guide for socially and culturally acceptable conduct (behavior) or action (good breeding).
- Derives from the French phrase meaning “card” or “placard.”
- Today, it provides guidelines for social interaction.
- In protocol, it dictates rules for rank-ordering individuals.
Protocol
- In protocol, it dictates rules for rank-ordering individuals.
- Original meaning: “stuck in front of the document.”
- A collection (written or unwritten) of forms of ceremony and etiquette accepted by high-ranking government officials, diplomats, and dignitaries worldwide.
Levels of Protocol
- State Protocol: Rules governing national events.
- Diplomatic Protocol: Rules governing diplomatic relations.
- Company Protocol: Rules governing international company relationships and activities.
Social Interaction
Social interaction is a dynamic, changing sequence of social actions between individuals (or groups) who modify their actions and reactions according to their interaction partner.
Categories of Social Interaction
- Accidental
- Repeated
- Regular
- Regulated
Components of Social Interaction
- Attitude
- Behavior
- Formative Influences
Definition of Manners
Manners:
- Set a standard of behavior.
- Acknowledge the rights of others.
- Indicate the level of refinement.
Lack of Manners:
- Offensive behavior
- Abusive language
- Impolite & vulgar expletives (swear words)
Based on ethical principles – standard of behavior expected from others (just, honest, courageous, temperate).
Elements of Behavior
- Fundamental Elements of Behavior (FE)
- Latent Elements of Behavior (LE)
- Performative (Active) Elements of Behavior (PE)
Performative (active) elements of behavior (PE) result from centuries of development and are not static. They change with technological advancements and lifestyle changes.
Drawbacks
- A repressive code – people cannot be themselves.
Fundamental Elements of Behavior
- Mutual respect or showing concern for others (Dale Carnegie: How to Win Friends and Influence People).
- Being assertive – expressing opinions or desires strongly and confidently.
- Saving face.
- Being moderate – avoiding extreme behavior.
- Being modest – unpretentious.
- Being open-minded.
- Attitude.
- Behavior.
Attitude & Behavior
- Attitude is influenced by family background, work and social environment, culture, and moral strength.
- Behavior is the manifestation of a person’s attitude.
Latent Elements of Behavior
- Appearance, style
- Attentiveness
- Character
- Obligingness
- Conscience
- Propriety of conduct
- Punctuality
- Self-control
- Humility
Changing One’s Character
- Practicing appropriate behavior patterns.
- Raising awareness of appropriate patterns.
Elements of Character
- Attitude towards work, possessions, and other people.
- Intellect.
- Willpower.
- Honesty.
- Sociability.
Performative Elements of Behavior – PE
- Introduction
- Handshaking
- Hand kissing
- Greeting
- Bowing
- Addressing people
- Conversing
Official Entertaining: Invitations, Formal Attire
Official entertaining helps:
- Achieve policy objectives.
- Enlarge networks of acquaintances.
- Develop satisfactory relationships.
Steps in Planning
- Selecting the date, place, and time.
- Putting together the guest list.
- Writing the invitations.
- Deciding on the dress code.
- Planning the menus.
- Writing the toasts.
- Planning after-dinner entertainment.
Guest of Honor
- Offer a choice of several dates.
- Ensure no conflicts with previous appointments or national holidays.
Timing
- Official dinners start at 8 p.m.
- Official lunches start at 12:30 p.m.
Guest List
The number of guests depends on:
- The importance of the guest of honor.
- The type of function.
- Seating arrangement.
Invitation Example
In honor of
The Governors of the United States and their Wives
The Vice-President and Mrs. Mahoney request the pleasure of the company of Mr. and Mrs. Kettering Davis
at dinner
On Thursday, the 26th February
at eight o’clock
The John Quincy Adams Room
Department of State
Black Tie
R.s.v.p.
Twenty-second and E Streets, Northwest
Regret Example
Dr. and Mrs. Smythe-Compton
Regret that because of their absence
from the country
they will be unable to have the honor of accepting the kind invitation of
The President and Mrs. Jefferson
to dinner
on Thursday, 10th June