TO BE, OR NOT TO BE POLITE. THAT IS THE ETIQUETTE QUESTION ETIQUETTE IS A SET OF COMMONLY KNOWN RULES OF PERSONAL BEHAVIOUR WITHIN A GROUP OF PEOPLE OR A SOCIETY AS A WHOLE. At work, etiquette is a code that governs the expectations of how people should and should not behave at work, although there isn’t a universal agreement on what exactly is acceptable or not. It is the responsibility of the company and managers to develop a code and to set expectations in the workplace. Most of us also have a set of unwritten rules that govern our family lives that are known to all members of the group, so the concept of etiquette is not new to us. We are familiar with how our behaviour affects and influences others, and so it is important to behave correctly, or face the consequences. At work and in business, there are a set of rules or conventions that differ from one country to another, however, politeness and showing courtesy to others is universal. In some cultures, courtesy and showing respect is paramount to your success in business, at work and in job interviews. Other cultures value directness, which may be taken as a rude gesture by someone from a different background.