Professional Etiquette (saylor.org)

What images come to mind when you think of the term professional? Do you picture an executive in a fancy suit strutting into a boardroom? Or, perhaps you envision a supervisor walking among cubicles and issuing orders to employees. While it is true that professionalism encompasses how we present ourselves outwardly, the meaning of the term goes far beyond appearances. Professionalism also encompasses inward characteristics and attitudes that affect how others in the workplace perceive us. The professional world can be full of challenging situations, including conflicting personalities, miscommunication, and cultural differences. In this course, you will learn about typical workplace etiquette protocols, communication standards, and cultural awareness strategies in order to navigate these common obstacles as smoothly as possible.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Summarize the principles of proper courtesy as they are practiced in the workplace.

Describe ways to apply proper courtesy in different professional situations.

Identify and describe the qualities of a desirable employee from an employer’s perspective.

Distinguish among and describe the three common forms of workplace communication and how each may be used to handle a variety of situations.

Discuss the effects that improper communication and poor listening may have on the work environment.

Identify examples of the proper and improper use of technology in the workplace.

Evaluate how technology affects communication in the workplace.

Define the phrase diversity in the workplace.

Explain how cultural diversity affects the workplace.

Identify common cultural differences, taboos, and customs that may be practiced in the workplace, and discuss ways to navigate and honor such differences.