Digital Ettiquette

Digital etiquette is defined as the standards or procedures for electronic interaction/ conduct, (Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship, 2015). The implication is much more than just the language to use when communication electronically. It has unfortunately become the norm to actively communicate electronically regardless of the current situation.

It has become evident that rules and policies regarding digital etiquette are no longer enough, inappropriate digital conduct must be addressed as it occurs. This will reduce the high number of individuals that disregard the social implications of inadequate digital etiquette.

10 Points on Netiquette:

There are a few basic rules to consider in terms of basic netiquette:

·         Ensure that you use a meaningful subject line when sending emails

·         Less is more. Keep your sentences short and meaningful.

·         Avoid using CAPSLOCK. Just use normal sentence case.

·         Make sure that you really want to send that attachment.

·         Proof read your message before you send or post it.

·         Write your message as if for an audience, even when posting to social media.

·         Reply in a courteous amount of time.

·         Pay attention to your formatting. Especially when you copy and paste information and you are sending business communication.

·         Provide context if you are referring to other messages and never send an electronic reply when angry, (Alonzo, 2006).

·         Ensure that there are no legal implications linked to what you are about to post.

Penalties for failure:

Consequences of failing to comply with these etiquette guidelined can be very severe and can take the form of professional, legal, ethical or monetary loss or damage. These consequences can include a destroyed student, professional or academic reputation and can have legal or monetary repercussions, (Unknown, n.d.).

How I would enforce and manage this in my business:

Netiquette is seen as the etiquette or appropriate manner of conduct, when communicating electronically. There are a few basic rules to consider in terms of basic netiquette, firstly ensure that you use a meaningful subject line, less is more, avoid using CAPSLOCK, make sure that you really want to send that attachment, proof read your message before you send it, write your message as if for an audience, reply in a courteous amount of time, pay attention to your formatting (especially when you copy and paste information), provide context if you are referring to other emails and never send an electronic reply when angry, (Alonzo, 2006).

If these rules are kept in mind when communicating electronically in the business environment, you are more likely to get positive feedback from the receiver(s) of the message.

It is important to keep in mind that when working for an organisation, you are representative of the brand of that business and accordingly how you communicate on behalf of the business influences the perception of the brand of the business, (Unknown, 2015).