• Unit 1: Workplace Courtesy

    Everyday courteous behaviors such as holding the door for the person behind you, saying "please” and "thank you” at the dinner table, and smiling when you catch the eye of someone walking by you may be optional responses to situations outside the workplace. However, such courtesies are not optional in the workplace. Exercising proper courtesy in any workplace situation is important, and neglecting to do so may lead to unfavorable results, such as miscommunication. To help you understand the standards of appropriate workplace attitudes and behaviors, the first unit of this course introduces you to basic workplace manners and the positive behavioral qualities an employer typically looks for in an employee. By studying these concepts, you will learn the appropriate way to handle yourself in many job-related situations.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.

    • 1.1: Practicing Common Courtesy and Manners in the Workplace

        • 1.1.1: Applying the Golden Rule

          • Business English: "American Business Culture" URL

            While this quick online guide is aimed at non-Americans, it provides a basic overview of business etiquette in the American culture. This article demonstrates that the Golden Rule (treat other professionals as you want to be treated) is the easiest and most effective way to handle most business situations that you are unfamiliar with. Click on the link above, and read the brief article about American business culture. As you read the article, pay special attention to the values and guidelines listed and consider how they match up with your own work experiences. Although every work environment is different, there are some common workplace policies that everyone should be aware of, such as respecting your elders.

          • Houston Chronicle: Eric Feigenbaum's "Golden Rule in Business Etiquette" URL

            Read this article. These simple guidelines will help you establish a professional image in the workplace and avoid behaviors that others will find offensive or distracting. Treating others the way you wish to be treated (i.e., the Golden Rule) is a good rule of thumb for workplace behavior, but you may discover a few courtesies in this reading that you may not previously have considered.

        • 1.1.2: Etiquette at Work-Related Functions Both in and out of the Office

          • Joanne Dunn and Michael C. Dennis' "Office Etiquette" URL

            Read this article. You will find that this article mostly focuses on behavior in the office, but it also provides a few suggestions for luncheons and company events. This list of "do's" and "don'ts" of office etiquette will serve you well in any type of workplace situation, whether in your office cubicle or at a business luncheon. Overall, the important guideline to consider is that professionals treat others with courtesy no matter where they are or what type of event they are attending.

          • GradView: "Test Your Business Etiquette" URL

            Take this quiz about business etiquette. Get out a scrap sheet of paper, and write down your response to each quiz question. At the bottom of the page, you will find a link to click for the quiz answers and explanations. Check your answers after completing the quiz. Note that there may be more than one correct answer for each scenario. Use this quiz to discover your current understanding of various business etiquette scenarios.

      • 1.2: The Attractive Qualities in a Professional from an Employer's Perspective

        • Mind Tools: "Professionalism: Developing this Vital Characteristic" URL

          Before you read this article, take out a scrap sheet of paper and write down some of the qualities you might look for if you were an employer. Then, read the article. In this article, you will discover some of the key traits that define a professional in any field. See how your list matches up to the traits found in this article. First, professionals are competent, because they are educated and trained in their specialty. Second, professionals are honest and garner respect from their colleagues in addition to giving respect to others. Third, professionals are accountable for their actions, because they have a strong work ethic and discipline themselves.

      • Unit 1 Assessment

        • Unit 1 Assessment Quiz

          Please take this assessment to check your understanding of the materials presented in this unit.

          Notes:

          • There is no minimum required score to pass this assessment, and your score on this assessment will not factor into your overall course grade.
          • This assessment is designed to prepare you for the Final Exam that will determine your course grade. Upon submission of your assessment you will be provided with the correct answers and/or other feedback meant to help in your understanding of the topics being assessed.
          • You may attempt this assessment as many times as needed, whenever you would like.