Over the past few years, several surveys have shown a decline in civility in business, and people report experiencing more rudeness in their everyday lives. These days, being respectful and courteous takes courage and commitment, not to mention repetition. It's a lonely path. You wonder if you can make a living, if you're too old-fashioned, if people really notice or care, or if you're wasting your time. But people are seeing that courtesy and respect create and strengthen their business and careers. They are challenging rudeness when they can, filling gaps in their knowledge. Coming to some understanding about why rudeness exists and how it can be combated may embolden people to practice more respect and courtesy in their personal and professional lives.
Here are some theories as to why rudeness has increased and why that trend may be changing. -- Rudeness is entertaining and fun. Think how well certain crude movies and TV shows have done, but also look at those that portray rudeness as an injustice overcome by good. -- As a culture, our origins are in breaking rules, overthrowing repressive policies, and defying authority that needed to be challenged. We value initiative, independence and individualism, but we're also seeing concern for building community and interdependence, and we know we need some structure to exist in a crowd. -- As a people, we fear too many manners more than too few. Being nice was seen as weak (Martin & Chaney, 2006).
When protocol was used to intimidate and limit people, the masses ditched it. Let's go casual! Moreover, some rules are ridiculous. Why do we put the napkin in our chair if we're returning to eat? However, removing all manners took significance and meaning from life's events, not to mention making them extremely unattractive. Sit next to someone who blows their nose long and hard at the table. Make manners relevant. Concentrate on what's most important. Be respectful to get results. Workers either become less productive because they are treated rudely, or they miss work because they are so uncomfortable with situations. With technology changing and the workplace becoming more casual, the list of pet peeves is growing. Workers say common courtesy, teamwork and respect are fading away, and the results are grating on their nerves.
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