Culturally appropriate behavior in the workplace.

On March 13, 2009, during a meeting of the Youth Union branch for administrative staff, the members listened to Associate Professor Dr. Vu Thi Phung – Deputy Head of the Department of Archival Studies and Office Management – ​​give a talk on “Culture of conduct in communication for civil servants in the workplace”.

The discussion focused on the following key topics: What is communication etiquette? Principles and standards of communication etiquette in the workplace? How should one behave appropriately in workplace communication? Solutions for handling specific communication situations? Scientific arguments and numerous life experiences surrounding this topic were exchanged and shared.

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2009/03/16/img_0792.jpg" border="0" alt="Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thi Phung" title="Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thi Phung" width="171" height="263" align="right" ]

Starting from the basic concepts of conduct and behavior, and its specific manifestations, Associate Professor Dr. Vu Thi Phung argues that this is one of the factors reflecting the cultural level of an agency, organization, or individual. Cultural level, in turn, is a special measure for evaluating the value of an individual or community. Furthermore, behavior is the most easily recognizable manifestation, easily creating a good or bad impression of an individual or agency from the very first contact, thus significantly impacting the work results of that individual or group. The presentation also emphasizes the necessity of having standards of behavior in workplace communication as principles to ensure uniformity in individual behavior within a common community, consolidating a group to create internal strength and a unique brand for that group. It is no coincidence that workplace etiquette is one of the fundamental issues addressed in the Regulations on Workplace Culture issued by the Prime Minister in 2007 and is a component of administrative reform.

Associate Professor Vu Thi Phung also offered suggestions ranging from general principles of workplace communication to specific guidelines for interacting with superiors, subordinates, colleagues, different types of clients, and the surrounding work environment. In addition, certain aspects of workplace etiquette, such as dress, language, gestures, and speech, must be carefully considered and adhere to specific standards. Proper conduct in the workplace is not easy, but it is not impossible either. Some secrets to successful communication, helping individuals perform well and enhance their self-worth, include: self-awareness and understanding others, confidence and respect for others, playing the right role, the ability to manage conflict, and not always seeking the ultimate truth...

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2009/03/16/img_0817.jpg" border="0" alt="Practical situations and experiences always attract the attention of young professionals" title="Practical situations and experiences always attract the attention of young professionals" width="320" height="214" align="right" ]

At the end of the presentation, the delegates also shared many interesting personal experiences related to specific daily situations they faced and successfully handled, gaining everyone's agreement on topics such as: how to persuade colleagues and superiors to defend one's opinions; how to give feedback to colleagues effectively; what to do when misunderstood by colleagues; what to do when a leader is hot-tempered; how to improve relationships after a conflict occurs;...

The seminar delivered meaningful messages not only within the scope of workplace etiquette but also extending to etiquette in life. And as Associate Professor Dr. Vu Thi Phung concluded the talk: “Etiquette is a story with many solutions but no definitive ending. Each person should strive to become an excellent actor playing many different roles on the stage of life. What is important is that we recognize our own value, understand our position and responsibilities within a group, always be confident, and desire to contribute our abilities to the common success of that group.”