College Of Business 'finishing School' Prepares Graduating Seniors For Workplace; Seminar Answers Business Protocol Questions
Wednesday, March 19, 1997
FORT COLLINS--Perhaps even more challenging than landing
that first job out of college is learning the unspoken rules in
the workplace--what to wear, how to network with others, even the
do's and don'ts of talking with the boss.
An independent study course in Colorado State's College of
Business helps graduating seniors better understand what
employers expect from employees--before they make a mistake that
could cost them a promotion or their job.
"Workplace blunders can break careers," said Jackie
Jankovich, a management professor who teaches the course and has
studied protocol in companies for eight years. "For entry-level
employees, understanding how the company works and the values it
places on behavior and personal appearance is extremely important
to success."
Jankovich and management professor James Francis started the
course three years ago and continue to teach it on their own time
to address student concerns as they prepare to enter the
workplace.
"The students learn all they need to know about business in
their academic career," Francis said. "Understanding and
following protocol can put them head and shoulders above other
employees."
Taught each Thursday night during the spring semester, this
informal group covers a variety of common questions including
telephone and e-mail protocol and talking with managers and
fellow employees in a social setting. One class is devoted solely
to dining etiquette, while another outlines all aspects of
appropriate business attire.
Students learn how to look for clues of protocol in the
workplace. Are there cubicles or enclosed offices? Are all
managers situated on the top floors of the company's headquarters
or scattered throughout the building? Do employees wear casual
corporate attire or dress in conservative blue suits?
As part of the course, students interview two companies on
how protocol is communicated to employees. This exercise gives
the students a valued perspective that can help them deal with
protocol issues throughout their careers, said Jankovich.
Jankovich and Francis also share stories of employees who
did not follow protocol and were prevented from climbing the
corporate ladder or fired because of it.
The class dovetails with a major study Jankovich recently
completed that looked into how two major Northern Front Range
companies--a consumer products manufacturer employing 6,000
people and a financial services firm with 250 workers--
communicated protocol to employees.
The study showed that protocol was recognized in both
companies but was communicated to workers only to the extent
necessary. The financial services company communicated protocol
to workers more directly because it worked more closely with
customers.
The study also concluded that companies communicate protocol
in three ways: directly, indirectly and through role modeling.
Direct communication and role models are more effective than
indirect communication, which sometimes can be misinterpreted.
"Companies may set the tone for what's expected, but don't
see themselves as responsible for conveying those expectations to
new employees," Jankovich added. "The rules in a business setting
can be really gray. We try to help the students read between the
lines."
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