The History of Business Etiquette
Business etiquette can be traced to the French royal courts in the 17th century as a strict guide to social and business behavior. The rules were further defined and strictly enforced during the Victorian era before such experts as Emily Post and Amy Vanderbilt updated it in the early 20th century.
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The French
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Social and business etiquette are usually intertwined and often are applied in both environments. Modern etiquette originated in the late 17th century with French King Louis XIV, who posted rules of etiquette for visitors and his staff to follow. George Washington followed with his own "Rules of Civility," according to mannersthatsell.com.
The Handshake
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The handshake is the universal language of good manners, but cultural differences make it a tricky, uncertain path to follow. The handshake originated in Europe as an expression of friendship and that one is empty-handed. Men up until the mid-19th century often concealed small handguns in their sleeves, according to mannersthatsell.com.
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Handshaking Ritual
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Handshakes are common forms of greetings for European men whether one knows the person well or is a stranger. Japanese shake hands frequently, while Arabs prefer a limp handshake. A familiar friendly business greeting with an Arab regardless of the guest's background may involve kissing both cheeks, according to mannersthatsell.com.
Early Business Cards
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Nineteenth-century business and visiting cards are two distinct forms of communication, although the cards have since evolved into virtually the same form of introduction. Men and women alike during the Victorian era used business cards to promote their businesses. The business card remains perhaps the oldest form of business etiquette following the handshake, according to belightsoft.com.
Business Card Etiquette
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Few 19th-century businessmen and women could visit a person without first presenting their business card to a servant or secretary, who in turn gives it to the intended party. The potential host may either reject the visit or accept it. European men often folded the corner of their card to denote they are making a personal visit rather than having a subordinate deliver it, according to belightsoft.com.
Evolving Gender Etiquette
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Western businesswomen should be treated the same as any male colleague or associate, according to xomba.com. On an international level, gender business etiquette is still evolving. Western and many Asian businesswomen, for example, prefer to be treated no different than a man. Arab businesswomen generally feel the same, but they may or may not accept or offer a handshake depending on their religious convictions. A veiled Muslim woman should be treated no different than any other businesswoman.
21st-Century Etiquette
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The rules of business etiquette have relaxed since the 1960s. However, suits for men and skirted business attire for women remain the standard in a proper business environment. Email has significantly relaxed the language of business, but videoconferencing still demands that rules of etiquette are followed. As the international business community shrinks due to instant communication systems, more attention should be paid to foreign cultures, according to realtor.org.
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- Photo Credit Patty Johnston/underthebutton.com; Brown Brothers/britannica.com
