Business Ethics Etiquette
Whether you've just opened up a new business or have been the head of your company for years, it's important to know how to treat each customer who comes through your doors; it's equally important to show that same courtesy and respect to your business partners and employees. Following the codes of business ethics and etiquette will help you to maintain a great professional reputation and will give your associates confidence in your leadership abilities.
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Ethics and Etiquette
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Business ethics have to do with your moral compass when it comes to forming professional partnerships: People need to know that you will keep their information confidential and will operate your business objectively and with integrity at all times.
Honesty and Objectivity
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You must be honest with your employees. If there are money problems in the company and you have to reduce employee hours, share this information as soon as you can so that your associates will have time to prepare for the adjustment. Being objective is also essential to heading a business; employees need to know that you will handle in-house disputes and disagreements after you have heard all the details concerning a situation, and that you won't play favorites.
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Punctuality and Business Cards
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When it comes to business etiquette, remember that to be on time is actually to be a few minutes early, but it's not necessary to arrive more than five minutes before your scheduled meeting. Showing up on time says that you have respect for the other person's schedule. Even though a business dinner or lunch may seem like the perfect time to exchange business cards, this is not polite; business cards can be exchanged at a time when food is not served.
Nondiscrimination and Confidentiality
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Your professional ethics should also include hiring new employees based solely on their past achievements and the skills they can bring to your organization. You and your employees should also sign a confidentiality agreement stating that information on special projects and company initiatives, as well as intellectual property created by company employees, cannot be shared with those outside the corporation.
Exchanging Gifts and Office Attire
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If you decide to give gifts in the office, be sure that every associate is aware of the gift-giving policy; if a formal policy is not in place, gifts should be given discreetly so that employees who are not receiving gifts won't be offended. Office clothing should be professional and appropriate at all times. Perfumes and colognes should be worn in small amounts only, so as not to offend employees who are sensitive to these scents.
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