Business
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Involved in Business Communication Etiquette?

Esther Ejim
Esther Ejim

Business communication etiquette is a term that is used to describe the largely unwritten, but applicable, methods of communication in various business settings. The application of business communication etiquette is wide and may be used in reference to the etiquette for communication within a business organization, or it may be applied to communication with others outside the organization. Business communication etiquette may be applied to individuals or to business entities, it may occur between businesses in different cultures, or it may be used in the business communications that occur online.

One of the instances of the application of business communication etiquette is in the dynamics of the communication that occurs within a business organization in terms of the manner in which the various employees, ranging from the management to the other employees on the lower rungs, communicate. For instance, business communication etiquette guides the way in which people respond to communication from other employees, whether physical or verbal. Assuming an employee sends an e-mail to another employee requesting some information regarding a project the both of them are working on, proper business communication etiquette requires that such a person should reply the e-mail in a reasonable time. Ignoring the e-mail is not only rude, but it could also lead to unnecessary friction that will not only affect the relationship between the two coworkers but also the productivity of the workers due to lack of proper communication between them.

Good customer relations are a part of business communication etiquette.
Good customer relations are a part of business communication etiquette.

Apart from the application of business communication etiquette within the organization, the same consideration can also be extended when dealing with people outside the organization, including suppliers and customers or clients. An example of good communication etiquette between an organization and its customers can be seen in the manner such a business responds to complaints by customers regarding either a product or some sort of service by the company. Proper business etiquette requires that such grievances must be addressed by the company, not only as a form of good customer relations, but also since good business communication etiquette demands it. When a business is dealing with other businesses in different countries, it must also apply proper communication etiquette as demanded by international considerations regarding allowances for different cultures and beliefs. In this sense, the business representatives will try as much as they can to observe the proper cultural business etiquettes in that country.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Good customer relations are a part of business communication etiquette.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Good customer relations are a part of business communication etiquette.
    • Etiquette guides responses to physical and verbal communication in the workplace.
      By: Tanusha
      Etiquette guides responses to physical and verbal communication in the workplace.
    • When considering business "netiquette," it's essential to remember that online interactions operate the same as those in the real world and should be treated as such.
      By: a4stockphotos
      When considering business "netiquette," it's essential to remember that online interactions operate the same as those in the real world and should be treated as such.
    • Relying on texting is considered unprofessional by many people.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Relying on texting is considered unprofessional by many people.