Students' knowledge of meeting etiquette: the influence of demographic factors.

Chaney, Lillian H. ; Green, Catherine G.

ABSTRACT

Meetings are an important part of business life in the United States and have become a major vehicle for creating and maintaining impressions of credibility, power, efficiency, and effectiveness. To determine whether students are knowledgeable about correct meeting procedures, a survey of 361 Mid-South students was conducted. ANOVA results revealed significant differences (<.05) between mean responses to 11 of the 18 statements and all four demographic factors of age, business/nonbusiness status, gender, and school.

INTRODUCTION

Meetings are a time-consuming and energy-depleting part of business life in the United States. In fact, U.S. businesses spend more time and money on meetings than any other country in the world (Baldrige, 1993). Estimates are that upper-level managers spend over half of each week in meetings, while middle-level managers spend over a third of each week attending meetings (Pachter & Brody, 1995). As duPont (1998) points out, "The cost of these meetings is staggering" (p. 59).

Meetings have become a major vehicle for creating and maintaining impressions of credibility, power, efficiency, and effectiveness. People who manage meetings successfully can win recognition for their savoir-faire and respect for their professionalism (Chaney & Green, 2003). Bixler (2001) stresses that professionalism is important for making meetings productive. She states: "Professionalism helps transform meetings from empty time-wasters into creative events" (p. 129). Despite the negative attitudes associated with meetings, they represent opportunities to acquire and disseminate valuable information, develop skills, and make a favorable impression on superiors, colleagues, and subordinates (Chaney & Lyden, 1998; Post & Post, 1999).

Employees who have a negative attitude toward meetings often perceive them to be a waste of time. This perception is validated by studies that indicate that over half of the time people spend in meetings is wasted (Post & Post, 1999). The negative attitudes toward meetings can be changed when meetings are conducted properly, with special attention being given to following correct procedures and practicing good manners. According to Bixler (2001), successful meetings "happen by design, not by inadvertence" (p. 128); they should be well planned, brief, and productive.

To ensure that meetings are successful and achieve their intended purpose, attention should be given to meeting preparation, introductions, seating arrangements, responsibilities of the chairman and participants, refreshments, and follow-up activities.

MEETING PLANNING AND PREPARATION

While the meeting may be planned for various reasons, it will only be productive if certain basic guidelines and procedures are followed. These guidelines include: minimizing the number, frequency, and length of meetings; scheduling meetings only when necessary; selecting a date and time that is convenient to most people expected to attend; announcing and adhering to a beginning and ending time; and preparing a detailed agenda, with an indication of who is responsible for each item and well as the approximate length of time allotted to each topic (Fox, 2001; Mitchell, 1998; Smith, 2001).

In selecting the meeting site, it is important to keep in mind that for a meeting of employees who are considered equals, a conference table in neutral territory is considered appropriate. For informal sessions, someone's office would be appropriate. Which office one selects is also a consideration; for example, a meeting would not be held in an employee's office if the supervisor were delivering bad news. When the desired impression is authority or power, the boardroom is a good choice (Chaney & Green, 2003).

The site selected should provide adequate seating for those attending, needed audiovisual equipment, as well as proper lighting, good ventilation, and a comfortable temperature level (Bonner & Chaney, 2004; Chaney & Lyden, 1998). The needs of physically disabled persons should also be taken into consideration. For example, if someone using a wheelchair will be attending, remove chairs as needed to make sure the person has adequate space to get around easily. Participants who have difficulty hearing should be given a seat near the front with a clear view of the speaker (Pachter & Brody, 1995; Post & Post, 1999). The availability of the room should be determined and the appropriate reservations made. In addition, the location selected should have side tables for refreshments or handouts. Bottles or pitchers of water and glasses should be provided; writing pads and pencils for participants are often provided as well (Mitchell, 2000; Tuckerman & Dunnan, 1995).

INTRODUCTIONS

The meeting chairman should arrive early and take the initiative in introducing people (duPont, 1998). The importance of making introductions was confirmed by results of a survey of Mid-South firms: The meeting aspect perceived as most positive was the introduction of newcomers by the chairman (Chaney & Lyden, 1997). In addition to introducing newcomers, the chairman greets regular participants as they arrive and shakes hands. Rules have changed over the last decade--remember that now the guest takes the initiative in extending a hand first. Special guests should be introduced at the beginning of the meeting to alert those attending to the role the guest will play. In the absence of an early introduction of a special guest, participants start assuming that bad news is imminent, such as layoffs (Chaney & Green, 2003; Post & Post, 1999).

SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

Seating arrangements are an important aspect of meetings. In fact, Craig (19996) says, "The location of your seat in a meeting is more important than most people ever imagine" (p. 18). She also recommends choosing a seat "to the immediate left of the person who has the most influence in the meeting" (p. 18) and cautions that this person is not necessarily the one leading the meeting. Sitting next to an empty chair is not recommended as this tends to detract from one's influence (Chaney & Green, 2003).

The person who called the meeting chooses a seat of central authority. The head of a rectangular table that is farthest from the door, commonly referred to as the "power perch," is widely recognized as the position of greatest authority (Bixler, 1997). (Participants feel confident that the person leading the meeting will actually take charge when he or she assumes the position of authority.) Although the chairman of the meeting could sit in the center seat along the length of the table, this position commands less attention and authority. The seat to the right of the chairman is typically reserved for an assistant to the chairman or for the person next in importance to the chairman (Bixler, 1997; Fox, 2001). Placing a folder on the table is usually sufficient to reserve this position. When an administrative assistant records minutes of the meeting, he or she occupies this position. Then the person who is considered next in the line of authority or importance would be seated to the left of the chairman. People invited to make special presentations should wait to be seated until regular attendees have taken their seats. Care should be exercised in choosing the position at the opposite end of the table from the chairman as this location is sometimes viewed as confrontational. Remember that rank, rather than gender or age, is a consideration in seating and participation in meetings (Bonner & Chaney, 2004).

CHAIRING RESPONSIBILITIES

The person chairing the meeting should schedule it well in advance and choose a date and time that is convenient for most of the expected participants. Meetings scheduled early or late in the day should be avoided as well as meetings on Friday afternoon or the afternoon before a holiday (Mitchell, 2000). Asking those expected to attend their preferences on dates and times is usually appreciated as it shows consideration for others (Baldrige, 1993; Mina, 2000).

The meeting chairman should distribute the agenda a few days in advance of the meeting; this agenda should include not only the date and location but also the beginning and ending times (most routine meetings should not exceed an hour) and topics to be discussed. In addition to listing each topic and the person responsible for leading the discussion, notations such as "for discussion only" or "for decision today" should be added to let those attending know what is to be accomplished on each item. If the meeting is scheduled near lunchtime and you plan to provide refreshments, include a statement on the agenda that light luncheon fare, such as sandwiches and cookies, will be served (Chaney & Green, 2003; Post & Post, 1999).

Before starting the meeting, the person chairing it should place on the door a sign that states "Meeting in Progress" to avoid interruptions (Post & Post, 1999). The chairperson should avoid recapping information for late arrivals; this tends to give the impression of condoning tardiness. In addition, the chairman should follow proper parliamentary procedure using such references as Robert's Rules of Order and Jones' Parliamentary Procedure at a Glance to assure that the minority is heard but that the will of the majority prevails (Fox, 2001).

The meeting chairman is also responsible for maintaining control of the meeting, including anticipating issues that might cause conflict or disagreement. The chairman can simply make a statement that persons should limit their comments to a couple of minutes to allow sufficient time for all participants to express their opinions (Mina, 2000; Smith, 2001).

Other responsibilities of the chairman include thanking people who made presentations and recognizing those who contributed in any way to the success of the meeting, including those who compiled figures, prepared charts or handouts, and arranged for refreshments. Above all, the chairman should start on time and end on time. While going beyond the stated ending time by five minutes is acceptable, extending the meeting longer than that is rude (Post & Post, 1999).

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES

Proper participant behavior is also essential to the success of meetings. Participants should arrive three to five minutes early since punctuality is essential in this culture (Mitchell, 1998). (The United States is considered a five-minute culture when it comes to punctuality. You are allowed to be five minutes late, but even then an apology is expected.) Arriving too early is also inappropriate. According to Sabath (1998), arriving more than 10 minutes early is "considered a breach of privacy" (p. 112). Persons in charge of the meeting may be attending to last-minute details or discussing meeting procedures with a colleague or supervisor and do not appreciate being scrutinized by participants.

Participants are expected to introduce themselves to others and shake hands (Mitchell, 1998). Visitors should remember that they extend their hands first. Participants should wait for the chairman to be seated and for an indication from the chairman as to where to sit (Mitchell, 2000). Participants should sit erectly and lean forward slightly to indicate interest in the topic under discussion. They should also give appropriate eye contact and give their full attention to the speaker. Carrying on side conversations is rude and gives a negative impression (Baldrige, 1993).

During the meeting, participants should not engage in distracting behaviors, such as doodling, playing with rubber bands, chewing gum, or sucking on mints or candies. They should not engage in any activities that are unrelated to the meeting, such as reading mail (Mitchell, 2000). Lap computers should not be used in meetings, and cell phones should be turned off or set on vibration mode (Bonner & Chaney, 2004; Fox, 2001).

At the end of the meeting, participants should thank the person in charge and shake hands with the chairman and other participants as they leave. In addition, Baldrige (1993) advises that after attending an out-of-town meeting you should: "Show what beautiful manners you have" (p. 346). Immediately after returning home, write a note or letter to the person in charge of the meeting in which you thank and praise the person for doing a great job. She also recommends writing a short note to new friends you made at the meeting as well.

REFRESHMENTS

Offering refreshments at meetings is considered a gracious gesture and is appreciated by persons attending (Stewart, 1997). Good manners dictate that refreshments be provided when a meeting is expected to exceed an hour and a half (Chaney & Lyden, 1998). A survey of Mid-South employees revealed that providing refreshments was considered very important (Chaney & Lyden, 1997). These refreshments should be available at a nearby table and arranged so that participants can serve themselves. The person who makes arrangements for refreshments should keep these guidelines in mind: Provide a tablecloth (a paper covering is acceptable) and napkins as well as small plates and eating utensils as appropriate. Small plates are provided when serving more than a single item, and plastic utensils are provided as needed (Mitchell, 1998). Furnish glasses and/or cups; drinking from a can or a bottle both in business and social situations is indicative of a person with poor social skills (Pachter & Brody, 1995). Provide ice in an ice bucket or large bowl with a scoop to transfer ice to glasses for those who prefer iced beverages (Mitchell, 1998). Offer an assortment of drinks to accommodate various preferences, i.e., soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and bottled water. Also keep in mind that 2-liter bottles of drinks which participants are expected to share are inappropriate. (In an individualistic culture, such as the U.S., each person wants his or her own drink.) In addition to a variety of beverage options, choices in sizes should also be made available--provide both 12- and 8-ounce sizes of bottled water, soft drinks, and juices. Try to provide both regular and decaffeinated coffee and tea (Mitchell, 1998). Select food that is appropriate to the time of day--muffins, fruit, and/or bagels for morning meetings and popcorn, pretzels, cheese, cookies, or finger foods for afternoon meetings. (Doughnuts, once popular at breakfast meetings, have been replaced with more healthful choices. The high-sugar doughnuts provide quick energy but an equally quick energy crash; bagels, which provide complex carbohydrates, are preferable). Avoid crunchy, greasy foods, such as chips, and messy foods that are difficult to eat, such as pizza. Also try to accommodate vegetarians (Mitchell, 1998; Pachter & Brody, 1995; Post & Post, 1999).

All persons attending the meeting should remember that when serving themselves, they should take only one muffin or cookie (or two small ones) until all attendees have been served. Later, they may choose to go back for seconds. Those attending meetings should also remember that bringing their own beverages or food to a meeting is rude (Mitchell, 1998).

FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES

The meeting should end with the chairman's summary of what the meeting has accomplished, reminders to participants of any tasks for which they have volunteered or have been assigned, and the date of the next meeting (Post & Post, 1999).

Handling follow-up activities is the responsibility of the meeting chairman and his or her administrative assistant. These activities include being sure that the meeting room is left in good order. In a survey of Mid-South employees, leaving behind used cups and plates was perceived as the most negative aspect of a meeting (Chaney & Lyden, 1997). The chairman should send a summary memorandum to all participants indicating their assignments and deadlines for completing these assignments. While this informal memorandum is adequate for thanking participants, more formal letters of appreciation should be sent to those who made presentations or special contributions to the meeting (Post & Post, 1999). Other follow-up activities include arranging for preparation and distribution of the minutes (Mina, 2000; Pachter & Brody, 1995).

An important part of the follow-up procedure is to review and evaluate the success of the meeting immediately upon its completion. By analyzing each meeting promptly, the chairman can determine areas needing improvement.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this research was to determine demographic difference in students' knowledge of correct meeting procedures.

SURVEY PROCEDURES AND RESULTS

Following a review of books and journal articles on etiquette as well as books related to conducting meetings properly, a survey was developed that included 18 statements reflecting correct or incorrect meeting procedures. The 361 students included in the survey were enrolled in upper division courses in business communication and international business communication at a public, urban university in the Mid-South of approximately 20,000 students as well as students (70) enrolled in business courses at a Mid-South community college of about 12,000 students. Students surveyed were asked to indicate the extent of their agreement with the 18 statements provided using a five-point scale with five representing strongly agree and one representing strongly disagree. Students were also asked to indicate their gender and age and whether they were business or nonbusiness majors.

As shown in Table 1, over half of respondents were female, three-fourths were between 20 and 29 years of age, and over three-fourths were business majors.

Statistical analysis was run using SPSS, Version 10. Means were determined for each of the statements related to correct meeting procedures. As shown in Table 2, the statement with which the most students agreed was Cell phones should be turned off during a meeting (mean of 4.83). The statement missed by the highest percentage of students was Doughnuts and coffee are considered appropriate refreshments for business meetings (mean of 4.08--the statement was false.) Correct responses are indicated in parentheses following each statement.

ANOVAs were conducted to determine significant differences (<.05) between mean responses and demographic factors. As shown in Table 3, ANOVA results revealed significant differences between all four demographic factors of age, business/nonbusiness status, gender, and school and 11 of the 18 statements.

DISCUSSION

Significant differences (<.05) existed between all four demographic factors and responses: two showed significance by age, six showed significance by business/nonbusiness status, two showed significance by gender, and two showed significance by school.

These two statements showed significance by age: A relationship exists between good manners and meeting productivity and Doughnuts and coffee are considered appropriate refreshments for breakfast meetings. Respondents 40 years or age or above (mean of 4.54) were more knowledgeable about the relationship between good manners and meeting productivity than were those under the age of 20 (mean of 3.70). Respondents 40 years of age or above (mean of 3.54) were also more knowledgeable about the appropriateness of serving doughnuts and coffee at breakfast meetings than were respondents age 30 to 39 (mean of 4.33). (The statement was incorrect; thus, the lower mean reflected more correct responses.)

The following six statements showed significance by business/nonbusiness status: The chairman should recap briefly the information that has been covered for meeting participants who arrive late (mean of 2.29 for business majors vs 2.70 for nonbusiness majors), Being ten minutes late to a meeting is acceptable in the United States (mean of 1.82 for business majors vs 2.16 for nonbusiness majors), Drinking from a can or bottle is acceptable in business meetings (mean of 2.44 for business majors vs 2.87 for nonbusiness majors), Providing 2-liter bottles of drinks at meetings is recommended (mean of 2.54 for business majors vs 3.10 for nonbusiness majors), Serving pizza at noon meetings is recommended (mean of 2.56 for business majors vs. 3.04 for nonbusiness majors), The chairman and participants may bring their own beverages to a meeting (mean of 2.70 for business majors and 3.26 for nonbusiness majors). In all cases business majors were more knowledgeable about meeting procedures than were nonbusiness majors.

These two statements showed significance by gender: Cell phones should be turned off or set on vibration mode (mean of 4.90 for females vs 4.75 for males) and When participants serve themselves, they should take only one or two small muffins or cookies (mean of 3.97 for females vs 3.72 for males). In both cases females knew the correct response more often than males.

The following two statements showed significance by school: The chairman should recap briefly the information that has been covered for meeting participants who arrive late (mean of 2.25 for University vs 2.87 for Community College) and Following the meeting, the chairman should send a summary memorandum to all participants (mean of 3.98 for University vs 4.29 for Community College). University students answered correctly more often than did community college students the statement related to recapping information for latecomers. Community college students, however, were more knowledgeable about the importance of sending a summary memorandum to participants following the meeting.

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Since meetings are a necessary yet time consuming part of business life in the United States, they should be designed carefully to assure that time is used wisely and that optimum results are achieved. Students should be aware that, as the business leaders of tomorrow, they need to learn procedures for conducting business meetings properly. When students graduate from college and assume their leadership roles in the world of business, their knowledge of proper meeting etiquette, whether as a meeting leader or participant, will be noticed and may be an asset in promotion decisions. Is meeting etiquette readily apparent to those attending meetings? According to Mitchell (1998), "Meeting etiquette is like stage lighting: You only notice it when it is bad" (p. 79).

Results of this survey indicate that students are knowledgeable about some areas of meeting etiquette. Most students, for example, knew correct behavior related to use of cell phones and reading mail during meetings. However, students were less knowledgeable about guidelines for appropriate refreshments to serve. The research objective was to determine demographic differences in students' knowledge of correct meeting procedures. ANOVA results indicated that responses to two statements varied by age; in both cases respondents age 40 and above were more knowledgeable than younger students. Of the six statements showing significance by business/nonbusiness status, all were answered correctly more often by business majors than by nonbusiness majors. Of the two statements showing significance by gender, females answered correctly more often than males. Thus, older students who are female and business majors answered correctly more often than younger students who are male and nonbusiness majors.

Business communication teachers can use results of this survey as a basis for class discussion when presenting information on meeting management and procedures. Students can be encouraged to share their experiences related to correct and incorrect procedures they have observed during business meetings.

REFERENCES

Baldrige, L. (1993). New complete guide to executive manners. New York: Rawson Associates.

Bixler, S. (1997). The new professional image. Avon, MA: Adams Media Corp.

Bixler, S., & Dugan, L. S. (2001). Five steps to professional presence. Avon, MA: Adams Media Corp.

Bonner, W. H., & Chaney, L. H. (2004). Communicating effectively in an information age (2nd ed.). Cincinnati, OH: Thomson Learning.

Chaney, L. H., & Lyden, J. A. (1998, May). Managing meetings to manage your image. Supervision, 59(5), 13-15.

Chaney, L. H., & Green, C. G. (2003, November/December). Mind your meeting manners. OfficePRO, 63(8), 19-21.

Chaney, L. H., & Lyden, J. A. (1997). Employees' perceptions of impressions conveyed by selected aspects of business meetings. Proceedings of the Allied Academies International Conference, 12-17.

Craig, E. (1996). Don't slurp your soup. St. Paul, MN: Brighton Publications, Inc.

duPont, M. K. (1998). Business etiquette and professionalism. Menlo Park, CA: Crisp Publications.

Fox, S. (2001). Business etiquette for dummies. Foster City, CA: IDG Books.

Mina, E. (2000). The complete handbook of business meetings. New York: AMACOM.

Mitchell, M. (2000). The complete idiot's guide to business etiquette. Indianapolis, IN: Alpha Books.

Mitchell, M. (1998). The first five minutes. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Pachter, B., & Brody, M. (1995). Complete business etiquette handbook. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Post, P., & Post, P. (1999). Emily Post's the etiquette advantage in business. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Sabath, A. M. (1998). Business etiquette. Franklin Lakes, NJ: Career Press.

Smith, T. E. (2001). Meeting management. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Stewart, M. Y. (1997). The new etiquette. New York: St. Martin's Griffin.

Tuckerman, N., & Dunnan, N. (1995). The Amy Vanderbilt complete book of etiquette. New York: Doubleday.

Yager, J. (2001). Business protocol (2nd ed.). Stamford, CT: Hannacroix Creek Books, Inc.

Lillian H. Chaney, The University of Memphis

Catherine G. Green, The University of Memphis Table 1: Demographics of Respondents Demographic Number of Valid Respondents Percent Gender: Female 198 54.8 Male 163 45.2 Total 361 100.0 Age: Under 20 23 6.4 20-29 272 75.3 30-39 42 11.6 40 or above 24 6.6 Total 361 99.9 Major: Business Major 292 80.9 Nonbusiness Major 69 19.1 Total 361 100.0 School: University 291 80.6 Community College 70 19.4 Total 361 100.0 Table 2: Meeting Manners: Mean Responses Statements Mean * S.D. Cell phones should be turned off or set 4.83 0.54 on vibration mode during meetings. (T) Reading mail during a meeting is 4.52 1.00 considered rude. (T) A relationship exists between good 4.17 0.91 manners and meeting productivity. (T) Refreshments should be provided when 4.14 1.90 a meeting is expected to exceed an hour and a half. (T) Doughnuts and coffee are considered 4.08 0.90 appropriate refreshments for breakfast meetings. (F) Following the meeting, the chairman 4.04 0.97 should send a summary memorandum to all participants. (T) When participants serve themselves, 3.86 0.92 they should take only one or two small muffins or cookies. (T) Meetings should not be scheduled on 3.58 1.33 Friday afternoon. (T) The guest extends his/her hand first 3.32 1.42 when shaking hands with the meeting chairman. (T) The person seated to the left of the 3.24 1.29 chairman is considered next in importance to the chairman. (F) The position of greatest authority in 2.96 1.42 a meeting is the end of a rectangular table nearest the door. (F) The chairman and participants may bring 2.80 1.24 their own beverages to a meeting. (F) Providing 2-liter bottles of drinks 2.65 1.15 at meetings is recommended as they are more economical. (F) Serving pizza at noon meetings is 2.65 1.13 recommended as most people like pizza. (F) An employee's office is an appropriate 2.57 1.24 meeting location for reprimands. (F) Drinking from a can or bottle is 2.52 1.23 acceptable in business meetings. (F) The chairman should recap briefly the 2.37 1.31 information that has been covered for meeting participants who arrive late. (F) Being ten minutes late to a meeting is 1.88 1.18 acceptable in the United States. (F) * Based on a five-point scale with five representing Strongly Agree and one representing Strongly Disagree Table 3: ANOVA Results: Demographic Differences in Students' Knowledge of Meeting Etiquette Statement Age F P-Value A relationship exists between good 346.2 0.017 ** manners and meeting productivity. The guest extends his/her hand first 1.110 0.345 when shaking hands with the meeting chairman. The position of greatest authority 0.607 0.611 is the end of a rectangular table nearest the door. The person seated to the left of the 2.235 0.084 chairman is considered next in importance to the chairman. An employee's office is an appro- 2.011 0.112 priate location for reprimands. Meetings should not be scheduled on 0.036 0.991 Friday afternoon. The chairman should recap briefly 0.268 0.849 information covered earlier for those who arrive late. Being ten minutes late to a meeting 0.195 0.900 is acceptable in the United States. Reading mail during a meeting is 1.928 0.125 considered rude. Cell phones should be turned off or 1.530 0.206 set on vibration mode during meetings. Refreshments should be provided when 1.698 0.167 a meeting is expected to exceed an hour and a half. Drinking from a can or bottle is 1.016 0.385 acceptable in business meetings. Providing 2-liter bottles of drinks 1.690 0.169 at meetings is recommended as they are more economical. Doughnuts and coffee are appropriate 4.662 0.003 ** refreshments for breakfast meetings. Serving pizza at noon is recommended 0.138 0.937 as most people like pizza. The chairman and participants may 1.338 0.262 bring their own beverages to a meeting. When participants serve them-selves, 0.263 0.852 they should take only one or two small muffins/cookies. Following the meeting, the chairman 1.375 0.250 should send a summary memorandum to all participants. Statement Business/ Nonbusiness Status F P-Value A relationship exists between good 0.000 0.983 manners and meeting productivity. The guest extends his/her hand first 2.579 0.109 when shaking hands with the meeting chairman. The position of greatest authority 0.137 0.711 is the end of a rectangular table nearest the door. The person seated to the left of the 2.243 0.135 chairman is considered next in importance to the chairman. An employee's office is an appro- 0.080 0.777 priate location for reprimands. Meetings should not be scheduled on 0.357 0.551 Friday afternoon. The chairman should recap briefly 5.257 0.022 ** information covered earlier for those who arrive late. Being ten minutes late to a meeting 4.778 0.029 ** is acceptable in the United States. Reading mail during a meeting is 1.027 0.312 considered rude. Cell phones should be turned off or 0.142 0.706 set on vibration mode during meetings. Refreshments should be provided when 0.008 0.930 a meeting is expected to exceed an hour and a half. Drinking from a can or bottle is 6.817 0.009 * acceptable in business meetings. Providing 2-liter bottles of drinks 13.607 0.000 * at meetings is recommended as they are more economical. Doughnuts and coffee are appropriate 0.237 0.627 refreshments for breakfast meetings. Serving pizza at noon is recommended 10.558 0.001 * as most people like pizza. The chairman and participants may 11.891 0.001 * bring their own beverages to a meeting. When participants serve them-selves, 0.696 0.405 they should take only one or two small muffins/cookies. Following the meeting, the chairman 173.9 0.188 should send a summary memorandum to all participants. Gender F P-Value A relationship exists between good 0.653 .0420 manners and meeting productivity. The guest extends his/her hand first 0.457 0.499 when shaking hands with the meeting chairman. The position of greatest authority 0.640 0.424 is the end of a rectangular table nearest the door. The person seated to the left of the 1.102 0.294 chairman is considered next in importance to the chairman. An employee's office is an appro- 0.464 0.496 priate location for reprimands. Meetings should not be scheduled on 0.713 0.399 Friday afternoon. The chairman should recap briefly 0.713 0.399 information covered earlier for those who arrive late. Being ten minutes late to a meeting 0.102 0.749 is acceptable in the United States. Reading mail during a meeting is 0.716 0.398 considered rude. Cell phones should be turned off or 6.424 0.012 * set on vibration mode during meetings. Refreshments should be provided when 1.365 0.243 a meeting is expected to exceed an hour and a half. Drinking from a can or bottle is 4.512 0.034 acceptable in business meetings. Providing 2-liter bottles of drinks 0.203 0.653 at meetings is recommended as they are more economical. Doughnuts and coffee are appropriate 1.549 0.214 refreshments for breakfast meetings. Serving pizza at noon is recommended 1.457 0.228 as most people like pizza. The chairman and participants may 1.233 0.267 bring their own beverages to a meeting. When participants serve them-selves, 6.454 0.011 * they should take only one or two small muffins/cookies. Following the meeting, the chairman 0.117 0.733 should send a summary memorandum to all participants. Statement School F P-Value A relationship exists between good 0.000 0.997 manners and meeting productivity. The guest extends his/her hand first 3.098 0.079 when shaking hands with the meeting chairman. The position of greatest authority 0.304 0.582 is the end of a rectangular table nearest the door. The person seated to the left of the 0.030 0.863 chairman is considered next in importance to the chairman. An employee's office is an appro- 0.049 0.826 priate location for reprimands. Meetings should not be scheduled on 2.744 0.098 Friday afternoon. The chairman should recap briefly 12.990 0.000* information covered earlier for those who arrive late. Being ten minutes late to a meeting 2.260 0.134 is acceptable in the United States. Reading mail during a meeting is 2.605 0.107 considered rude. Cell phones should be turned off or 0.417 0.519 set on vibration mode during meetings. Refreshments should be provided when 0.385 0.535 a meeting is expected to exceed an hour and a half. Drinking from a can or bottle is 0.629 0.428 acceptable in business meetings. Providing 2-liter bottles of drinks 0.988 0.321 at meetings is recommended as they are more economical. Doughnuts and coffee are appropriate 3.292 0.070 refreshments for breakfast meetings. Serving pizza at noon is recommended 0.163 0.687 as most people like pizza. The chairman and participants may 1.329 0.250 bring their own beverages to a meeting. When participants serve them-selves, 0.000 0.987 they should take only one or two small muffins/cookies. Following the meeting, the chairman 5.870 0.016 ** should send a summary memorandum to all participants. * Significant at .01 level; ** Significant at .05 level