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Lesson Objectives:

Etiquette refers to the rules set forth by a company and even society on how one should behave when in face-to-face interactions.  These rules determine how you interact with your superiors and co-workers to even how you would dress to attend your job. These 'rules' may be unwritten expectations, and they may vary substantially from job to job and culture to culture.Netiquette refers to the rules one must follow, whether written out or learned, when interacting on forums, blogs, chat rooms, emails, and other online networking situations.  In an office setting, you should always maintain a level of decorum, and treat the situation more formally than you would if you were at home chatting with friends on Facebook. Because this may vary from job to job, many employers or companies may produce a handbook on what is and is not acceptable in online communications, as well as in regular office interactions. If a handbook was not provided to you when you were hired, ask your employer or human resources person about the company's policies. It is your responsibility to find out.

Appropriate Language

Just as you would not usually say "L-O-L" when speaking with your employer, you should also avoid using it when sending an email communication.  Unless the terminology you are using is part of your job, "Internet Speak" really has no place in a work setting. Also avoid slang, rude interjections, and excessively personal or emotional language, especially in written communications. And remember that words written in ALL CAPS are often construed as yelling.The same goes with basic grammar rules one should always apply when communicating in the work place.  You would not write the word "i" in lower case in a school situation, the teacher would automatically correct you and ask you to make it a capital "I."  You would also not do that when writing to your supervisor.  Remember that thoughts should always be complete, and words should always be correctly spelled and, if necessary, capitalized in your communications, be it a short note, an instant message, a report, or even an email.

Email Netiquette

Email in school or the work place is an important form of communication.  Language in emails should be more formal than when chatting or emailing your friends.  Grammar should be formal as described above.  Here are the basic rules for emails in a professional setting:

•          Include a brief subject line which reflects the content of the email.
•          Include a greeting like you would in a business letter.
•          If you don’t know the person, introduce yourself in the first line.
•          Explain why you are emailing and other relevant information.
  •    Be concise and keep the email as short as possible. 
  •    Stay on topic and use short paragraphs.
  •    Space between paragraphs to keep emails easy to read
•          Use a proper closing line before your signature.
  •    Use your full name.
  •    Include your position or job title, if applicable.
  •    Include your contact information

Around the Water Cooler

In most shows or movies, one may watch the characters gather around the water cooler to chit-chat about the day's events.  Maybe your workplace will have a similar setting, maybe it won't, but there will be times you will gather with your co-workers to talk about the day, weekend happenings, family situations, etc, while sipping water, cola, or coffee, or even munching on a snack or lunch.Interacting with co-workers is a good thing.  You can make friends outside of your normal circle, and help make the work day more pleasant as you battle the days' tasks with your comrades-in-arms.  Teasing or joking may become part of those interactions.  While fun, it can also be a dangerous habit to take part in.  The reason for this is what you may find funny or amusing, may not be the same to another coworker.  The more risque the joke, the better chance you have of being charged with some form of harassment.  This does not apply to men only, so ladies also need to remember to keep the topics clean.

Grading Rubric:

Assignment:

Answer the following questions in complete sentences, using proper grammar and spelling.  Make sure all responses are in your own words.  Always cite your sources if you use outside materials to assist you.

Using copied text would be considered plagiarism. For more information, review our page on Plagiarism and Citation.1) Imagine you are writing a company's policy manual.

• List 3 behaviors for employees to avoid on the network.
• List 3 behaviors for employees to avoid in face to face interactions.

2) Compose an email to a co-worker about working together on an upcoming project.  The email will be composed in word or the submit box…or you can open your email and use that as a template and send a screenshot (just don’t send).

• Come up with an appropriate subject line.
•  Write a short email of 3-5 sentences requesting help on an upcoming project. (You can be creative with the kind of project you want to work on).
• Remember the rules of email netiquette in your email.

3) Describe a time when you have accidentally offended someone or been offended.

• What happened?
• What were the consequences?
• How could this have been avoided?

4) Do some internet research on business etiquette in other countries.

• Compare and contrast a behavior that might be considered rude in one culture but not in another culture.
• What do you think the reason is for this difference?
• You may present your information in paragraph form (5-8 sentences) or create a chart or graphic comparing and contrasting the two countries.
• Cite your sources.

5) In this day and age, in business situations, people often “meet” over the internet or phone before actually meeting in person. 

• Describe how you can make yourself “look good” online or over the phone before you meet someone in person. 
• Write a paragraph of 5-8 sentences discussing proper netiquette and how it can prepare you for meeting someone in person.