Netiquette for effective Online Collaboration
4.1 What is netiquette?
Netiquette: The term netiquette derives from the words “network” and “etiquette”. It refers to the unspoken rules required for communicating and collaborating efficiently online. Just like traditional etiquette, netiquette includes rules of conduct for social interactions in order to maintain a pleasant, comfortable and efficient online environment without conflict among users (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.).
Why is it so important for your business?
Why is netiquette important for your business? If you think about it netiquette is as crucial as basic etiquette. If most of your work is done online, then it can be even more important than basic etiquette. You must remember that anything you send or post online makes up your digital footprint. Think about your digital footprint as a record of your online activity which includes all the data you have shared, the places you have been and all the traces you left behind (Protection, 2021). One badly-written post on your company’s social media, or a miscalculated email sent to an important stakeholder or client could destroy your company’s reputation (Brennan, 2021).
It is essential to become aware of how our online behaviour can impact us and others. Nonverbal communication accounts for 80% of how communication is interpreted. Since face expressions and body language are very limited or non-existent online, comments and statements that we make can easily be misinterpreted (Consador, 2019).
4.2 Netiquette tips
- Always maintain a friendly and respectful tone in written messages. Keep in mind that your tone can be easily misunderstood. Always assume good intentions and ask questions for clarity.
- NEVER USE CAPITALS LIKE THIS as in written online language this can be viewed as shouting.
- While you are collaborating online try to be even more polite than you would be in person. It’s quite easy for misunderstandings to develop online because you aren’t able to use tone of voice (audio) or facial expression (video).
- Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm. Take into consideration intercultural sensitivity.
- Make sure you keep any online discussions or exchanges confidential.
- Reread your written text before posting or emailing and check for grammar and spelling mistakes.
- Wait 24 hours before responding to a provocative message or post. Try and give the person who wrote it the benefit of the doubt and respond as positively as possible.
- When you attend an online meeting make sure that you are in a quiet place with no distractions or noise. Also make sure to mute yourself when you are not speaking in order to reduce background noise.
- Make sure you raise your virtual hand when you want to speak and make use of the chat if you have questions or want to provide feedback.
- Join online meetings 5 minutes earlier to ensure you have access and resolve any technical issues.
- Be careful on how you use emojis. Read this article for more guidance: The Business Etiquette Guide To Emojis
Remember: Be careful of what you say or write as it can be easily forwarded to others.