Online Class: Business Professionalism

When it comes to dealing with business etiquette and professionalism, many people underestimate the importance of these elements in developing a successful working career. While you may think or hope that the quality of the work you produce will be sufficient, the vast majority of professional work will require some business etiquette and professionalism. Even as many industries become more dependent on technology, frequently resulting in limited social interaction in many positions or companies, it is still absolutely necessary to know how to interact with others in a professional and appropriate way. 

As you travel through this course, there may be things you don't understand. There may be moments where you think that a commonly held standard is unnecessary or even ridiculous. You may identify things you have done or things that have been done to you, and some of these may trigger unpleasant memories or strong emotions. Our society perpetuates the belief that our professional life is a reflection of who we are as a person; consequently, it may be difficult to separate your emotions from good judgment. What is most important to remember is that the information offered here is to help you become a more professional individual, strengthening your career. The standards of etiquette and professionalism are constantly changing. While some elements remain constant, others change and develop over time. This is not necessarily a reflection that what came before was wrong, as much as it is an appreciation that we can, and should, seek out better and better ways to be. 

Although business etiquette and professionalism are not necessarily always the same, they are extremely closely related. Business etiquette typically refers to common standards of politeness and representing not only yourself, but your employer, when interacting with others. Alternatively, professionalism focuses on more substantive issues of personal accountability and an adherence to business standards, as well as personal integrity. Even an individual who works full time from home translating documents, and almost never speaks with anyone else in a professional capacity, still has standards of professionalism to which they are expected to adhere. So while most successful professionals have mastered business etiquette, it is vital that all workers practice professionalism. 

Before we begin the specific topics that will be discussed, it is worth pointing out that this course is built on a presupposition that those taking this course understand the basics of general etiquette and politeness. Although some of these topics will be discussed in future lessons when they pertain specifically to a work environment, others should be visited now. Saying things like "please" and "thank you" should be second nature to anyone working in a professional capacity. Personal hygiene practices such as bathing regularly and practicing basic oral health care should also be old hat by now; if not, Emily Post's Etiquette is an excellent resource for helping you establish these basic habits. 

Political Correctness

Although the term has become somewhat negative due to a backlash against its popularity, one of the first things to understand about business etiquette and professionalism is that it is extremely important to practice political correctness. This should not ever mean that you cannot calmly and rationally discuss pertinent information that may have issues of sex, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, and so on. Rather it is crucial that you know how to discuss these issues when they are relevant, as well as how to determine when they are or are not relevant. Using the term PC within this course is not meant to focus on restricting language; instead we look at using politically correct speech as a tool to create a safe and productive work environment that will consequently make a business more successful. 

It's important to note that language is a dynamic force that impacts society, and is impacted by society. Politically correct terms have evolved on the basis of two key points: accuracy and prejudice. As the United States has worked to minimize, and hopefully someday abolish, racism, terms that are used capture and reflect these different stages of our society's prejudices towards people of color. So over time, as each term comes to represent a certain level of prejudice, some new terms are developed and used for people to demonstrate a lessening of prejudice. Once you understand this issue, it should become obvious that the language we use is incredibly important. Consequently, it should also help you understand why someone may interpret certain terms in a negative way, or assume that you represent some level of prejudice when you use certain terms. Alternately, this should clearly indicate why - whether or not you agree with this argument - it is better for your professional career to utilize politically correct terms and attitudes. 

Of course, race is not the only issue when it comes to being politically correct (aka professional). All people should be treated with respect, even if you don't like them. By using words that are charged with racism, sexism, homophobia, religious intolerance, size discrimination, disability prejudice, and so on, you leave yourself open to the possibility of not only losing the respect of people you work with and/or for, but even losing your job and your professional reputation. The vast majority of the time, before these issues are even brought into a discussion, they are irrelevant. Certain behaviors should be policy, regardless of what categories the person who violates the policy fits into. 

When it comes to being professional and developing a safe, healthy work environment where prejudice and bigotry will not be tolerated, this may -- or may not -- be up to the boss. Depending on the state (or country) where you live, your boss (or you, if you are the boss) may have legal protection to deny services to clients or customers based on their personal characteristics. This has been, and continues to be, a hot button topic, particularly with regard to sexual preference and orientation. Virtually all businesses in the United States are required by law to act fairly when it comes to employing individuals based on their race, ethnicity, religion, and so on. However, as sexual orientation and gender identity have become more prominently considered in our society, some businesses have chosen to deny services or sales to people who identify with and/or behave as homosexual, bisexual, transgender, asexual, intersexual, and so on. Because these characteristics are generally understood to be an inherent quality a person is born with, many people believe that these individuals should be protected by law, just as someone of a minority race would be protected. 

If you are ever employed by a company or individual who asks or requires you to behave in a way you believe to be unjust and illegal, report that employer to the proper authorities. If your boss asks you to do something that is legally accepted, but you find it to be morally repugnant or wrong, you have to make the best decision for your needs and your personal and professional integrity. It is not unprofessional to report illegal behavior. In fact, professionals hold themselves to a high ethical standard and should expect the same from others, particularly if illegal actions are taking place. Nor is it unprofessional to refuse to treat someone with prejudice simply because your boss may have the legal grounds to do so. Unfortunately, that does not necessarily protect your job, (though it will protect your integrity to do so). 

Likewise, if you believe that you have been unfairly discriminated against, whether as a potential hire, employee, or client or customer, report the issue to the proper authorities. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will help you better understand the laws involved, and how to file a report.