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Etiquette & manners

The Hot Tip

Wed, 24/09/2008 - 16:59 — sally.rose

Sally RoseLeaving a tip is a much more compicated transaction than you may have ever imagined as poor regulation has created a moral minefield that needs to be carefully navigated.

In the eyes of the law, what exactly is a tip?  

Not long ago, tipping was considered an American custom, but it is now common practice here. It's on the rise in synch with the explosion of Australia's dining culture in general. It seems pretty straightforward: happy customers might leave a little extra payment at the end of the night as a thank you for excellent service.   

Patrons do this with the expectation that the person they leave the tip for receives it, but this is not always the case.  

Tips are classed as earnings and should be listed as additional benefits on one's income tax return. Now, I'm not naming any names, but I worked as a waitress whilst putting myself through university and I would be very surprised if the ATO had any statistics showing that this practice is dutifully followed by the majority of hospitality workers.  

People aren't declaring their tips, so that money then exists outside the grid.  

Probably because it doesn't show up in the paperwork, this section of the economy has been left completely unregulated. There is no national legislation, and no state or territory laws I know of (although I'd be happy to be corrected) that addresses the issue of who tips belong to.  

The shifting expectations of corporate etiquette

Wed, 28/05/2008 - 11:50 — gapadmin

Mary Ann MaxwellBy Mary Ann Maxwell

The expectation that all calls received will be responded to within 24 hours fails to take into account the way business is conducted today.

Ever get that strange feeling that something's different? We all look the same, more or less, we're all out to achieve the same sorts of goals, but there's something very different about  the way we're talking to each other, and it's causing more than a bit of intergenerational confusion in the office.

Those of us who have been in business for the last few decades should be forgiven for feeling a little out of sorts with more recent entrants into the business community. See, we came into the corporate world at a time where hierarchies were strictly observed, and controlled by the simple fact that there were relatively few forms of communication we could use to break down those walls.

Things have changed, some for better, and some, well, for not so better, but the only way we're going to be at peace in this emergent business world is to recalibrate the rules, and update our expectations when it comes to communication.

Measuring Success

peter fritz's picture
Fri, 16/05/2008 - 13:12 — peter fritz

If someone takes the time to find your number and approach you with an idea or proposal, the very least you can to is return their call.

Earlier in the week I had the pleasure of addressing a group of students graduating from Electronic Engineering faculty at the University of Technology Sydney.

Of course I congratulated them on the achievements, and gave them a message of support for the future careers, but I also took the opportunity to warn them against the poison of hubris.

Whilst life is a personal experience, one does it in company, and if one is to succeed, one should be mindful of one's travelling companions. To me that meant - to be respectful of others, to recognise the contribution that others make and everyone's right to participate.

It's who they are not what they are that makes great Australians really great

Thu, 15/05/2008 - 15:27 — Neil Batt

Neil BattIt's the people that matter, not the role.

I am often dismayed when I come across people in positions of power and authority treat others with a lack of manners and consideration, and what strikes me is how this contrasts with the unfailing courtesy of many great Australians with whom I have had the honour or working.

Great Australians the likes of former Western Australian premier Charles Court, who's name was always publicly listed in the phone book, and who would personally receive telephone calls from his constituents every morning. According to his son, his commitment to this kind of open communication meant he rarely sat through breakfast uninterrupted, but was always fully briefed by the time he arrived at the parliament. 

Government PR from a journalists' point of view

Tue, 26/08/2008 - 12:23 — Brad Norington

Brad NoringtonTransparency and openness in government apply not only to governmental data and records, but also to the relationship of the public sector with the media.    

I think professionalism does require etiquette and a willingness to engage. There's not much point having people in communication positions in the government sector if they display a siege mentality, and are unnecessarily unpleasant and non-cooperative. What is their job anyway? What does it serve to obstruct?

The only caution I would express is that etiquette shouldn't be merely a cover for non-cooperation.

Often the inquiries we made in the media are of a basic nature, to check things. We want to get it right. Otherwise we make requests for comment, and for specialist journalists in certain areas, we seek briefings on policy.

The broader issue of interest to the media in a modern democracy is gaining access to as much government information as possible in the public domain. As many of you may know, we are pursuing this as part of the Right to Know campaign, a joint campaign with other media organisations.

The price of technology - manners anyone?

alison gordon's picture
Thu, 04/10/2007 - 11:28 — alison gordon

 Aside from convenience and accessibility, new technologies have brought us the lack of us private space and a need for technology etiquette ...

Some choose not to buy into the debate on whether innovations in technology have improved our lives or not - but it is obvious to most that mobile phones, email, blackberries and the like have on the whole made us a ruder, socially awkward group of individuals.

It is well known that the old fashioned way of connecting with people - in person, via the post or perhaps even by the trusty landline or payphone is just that - old fashioned. Most people now use informal, evasive communication methods to stay in touch with people - text messaging and email, though a far less personal way, is now just too convenient.

Through my daily travels on public transport, I have found great evidence that this convenience has come at a huge price for some people. Being so accessible via mobile phone has somehow led to a major loss of general respect for others in a public space.