ETIQUETTE

&
FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Christiansen, Kateryna | Crockett, Ryan | Hampton, Rebekah | Jacobs, Jon | Hawley, Garet

Table of Contents

Abstract
2

ABSTRACT How does etiquette affect first impressions?

Our research endeavored to find what specific behaviors and social norms, i.e.
etiquette, created the most negative and the most positive reactions on a first meeting. By
holding a focus group we were able to receive in-depth answers to specific questions and
situations concerning etiquette and first impressions. Our general finding was that while
participants agreed etiquette was important in first impressions, specific details about what
was preferred varied greatly depending on the participants biases and backgrounds. That
being said, several behaviors that were generally liked were eye-contact, confidence, similar
dress, and humor. Behaviors that were generally deemed as negative were disengagement
as well as conversation dominance. In conclusion we surmised that while etiquette is still
important in todays society, it is subjective and the specific behaviors that we were looking
for varied greatly. Our own perception of the findings was that while our society continues
to accept moral relativism it is also accepting relative etiquette which in turn affects our
first impressions.

LITERATURE REVIEW
Our meta question, How does etiquette affect first impressions?, arose from the study
(Gibson and Bushman, 2010), which measured video game effects on perception. Those
who played video games rated the assistants as less nice than the ones who hadnt played
video games. We began to think what behaviors in the assistants could have altered the
participants responses. We looked up several studies an concerning both etiquette and first
impressions. Scholarly articles expounded in great and specific detail the many different
behaviors required in our society to comply with proper etiquette. Pattie Mcneils Why
Manners and Etiquette Matter and Why it is Key to Success for Today's Graduates.
Biznik.com, 2010 even discussed the specific percentages that certain actions pertained to.
How much of etiquette was vocal as opposed to how much of it was visual. Shirley Yeung in
her book Natural Manners: Etiquette, Ethics, and Sincerity in American Conduct Manuals
(235-48), discussed the powerful effect etiquette still has in our society even if it does not
still hold the defining role that it has in the past. She articulated how successful people have

been able to capitalize on good etiquette.

Other studies measured the accuracy as well as the enduring power of first
impressions. Natalie A. Wyer, in her study done at the University of Plymouth in 2010,
solidified the power of first impressions by asking their sample of people to make certain
judgements about people based on certain information they had about them, including
social class, occupation, interests, etc. They were then later told that this information they
received had been incorrect, yet the reviews about that person, particularly the negative
feelings recorded, stayed relatively the same, despite the change of information from their
first impression. Another study, Can You Judge a Book by Its Cover? by Mark Shevlin had
people make assumptions based solely on a persons picture. The results found showed that
first impression held little accuracy.
After analyzing these many studies we found that while many people have studied the
accuracy of first impressions as well as the importance of etiquette, very few people have
determined how the two interrelate and what social expectations influence our first
impressions. Almost no one decided to measure what particular behaviors created negative
and positive first impressions, which then inspired the basis for our research.

METHOD
First impressions and the idea of etiquette can be difficult to measure and quantify.
Therefore, a focus group was determined to be the most effective mean to gather
qualitative data to analyze how the two principles - first impressions and etiquette - are
interrelated.
Based primarily on random sampling, and some convenient sampling due to the
circumstances, nine participants volunteered. The sample was of college students attending
BYU-Idaho between the ages of 18-25. Both men and women participated. Most people in
our sample were single with two exceptions. The focus group session lasted 40 minutes with
both oral and written aspects. Participants were asked to rate their feelings on certain
manners people in our society are often expected to do. They were then asked to discuss
and explain their answers with each other.
A controlled first impression was simulated to begin the session and then analyzed.
There were two discussion leaders; each one had a part to play. One dressed well, Mr.
Crockett, remembered names, shook hands, and followed good professional etiquette. The
other, Mr. Hawley, dressed down, sat in a corner chewing gum, and acted like someone who
didnt know or care about etiquette. It was hard to stay in character for Mr. Hawley since
he usually acts professional, in professional settings, but he was able to get through the
introductions so participants had a chance to notice how he was acting. Participants then
discussed the certain behaviors the discussion leaders did. Specific behaviors that were
discussed were handshakes, dress, and posture.
A questionnaire with nine research questions was given to each participant to write
responses before oral discussion. Written answers helped each participant remain true to

initial thoughts and feelings, while being allowed to expand and elaborate those ideas. The
possible risks involved in this study were, possible personal information revealed to others
in the room, a slight chance of embarrassment, and any other risk relating to talking about
a personal opinion. The entire session was recorded to transcribe the discussion.

FINDINGS

1.

Preparing for the focus group helped us create our own opinions about first
impressions and how etiquette affects them. The questions remained with us, Are first
impressions often inaccurate? This question drove a part of the focus group and the
findings were interesting. In fact, all of the students that participated in the focus group
answered, Yes to the question Have you ever misjudged someone on first-impression?
One student said, I had a roommate that at our first meeting you would think he
was the most rude and inconsiderate person. He would go into peoples fridges and eat
other peoples food and even eat food from other peoples plates. And now, once I got to
know him, he is one of the best people I have ever known. This student shared an insight
that helped formulate the conclusion. Therefore based on the findings, first judgments are
often changed after understanding who someone is. Those impressions are at times
drastically changed.
It seems to be concluded that etiquette is becoming increasingly subjective in todays society.
Etiquette is no longer a social norm, or rule, that can be attributed to any individual.
Because of the loss of objectivity, etiquette is becoming a guideline based on individual
preference. Therefore, someone is unable to hold every person to the same level of behavior.
Without such consistency, etiquette is increasingly inaccurate to measure someone's
character or personality.

2.

Throughout the focus group participants continually suggested that confidence plays

a large role in first impressions. It was suggested, and later inferred that confidence is often
seen as an essential element of etiquette. Looking at Figure 2 shows how things related to
confidence like: eye contact, engaging, humorous, friendly and being outgoing can enhance
a first impression.
The results of the focus group showed that confidence plays a very significant role in
proper etiquette today. Posture and handshake are some of the signs of confidence, or the
lack thereof. One of our female participants stated, I think in addition to attitude its
about how confident they are. Somebody may give the wrong impression of professionalism
if theyre slouched. She then continued, It doesnt make you look good or seem like you
have etiquette. Sometimes it can be disrespectful because youre not re-attributing their
respect. Youre not showing all the confidence you have.
Today the level of confidence does not measure etiquette only, but by ones ability to

listen and make meaningful comments in a conversation. One of our male participants
explained, Signs of intelligence are when people are quiet, but attentive; when they have
clear speech and appropriate mannerisms. When other people are talking, he doesnt have
time to think about what people are saying. According to this comment, it is not proper
etiquette to interrupt others and dominate in a discussion by making unnecessary
comments.
Therefore, in todays world, people who know what they want will be able to achieve
their goals more successfully. Proper etiquette requires one to have strong personal
opinions, while also approaching others with respect and being open to new ways of
thinking. People who are not self-confident are considered weak in character and in their
level of intelligence.

FIGURE 1: Causes of Negative First Impressions

FIGURE 2: Causes of Positive First Impressions

3.

According to Figure 2, the results of the focus group showed that confidence plays a

very significant role in proper etiquette today. Posture and handshake are some of the signs
of confidence, or the lack thereof. One of our female participants stated, I think in
addition to attitude its about how confident they are. Somebody may give the wrong
impression of professionalism if theyre slouched. She then continued, It doesnt make
you look good or seem like you have etiquette. Sometimes it can be disrespectful because
youre not re-attributing their respect. Youre not showing all the confidence you have.
Today etiquette is not measured by the level of confidence only, but by ones ability
to listen and make meaningful comments in a conversation. One of our male participants
explained, Signs of intelligence are when people are quiet, but attentive; when they have
clear speech and appropriate mannerisms. When other people are talking, he doesnt have
time to think about what people are saying. According to this comment, it is not proper
etiquette to interrupt others and dominate in a discussion by making unnecessary
comments.
Therefore, it becomes clear that in todays world, people, who know what they want,
will be able to achieve their goals successfully. Proper etiquette requires one to have strong
personal opinions, while also approaching others with respect and being open to new ways
of thinking. People, who are not confident in themselves, are considered weak in character
and in their level of intelligence.

4.

The paradigms through which we see the world are powerful and difficult to remove.
With people coming from differing backgrounds, we are likely to have different ways to see
the world and interpret it. Our focus group supports the idea that some people may have
different paradigms about etiquette and its effects on first impressions because of their
culture, background or upbringing.
Two of the participants exemplify this idea. The first said, I grew up on a farm so
[etiquette] kind of just defined you as a strong hard working, trustworthy person.
Growing up on a farm will develop different paradigms and priorities about etiquette than
someone who might never participate in hard labor.
Another participant said, I put a really low score on that one. Like there are some cultures
that dont shake hands very hard. Referring to Asian cultures - he acknowledged his
comment as a stereotype which have trustworthy people, they dont shake hands firmly,
which for Americans might seem like the appropriate sign of being trustworthy.
Besides the paradigms of the person, many participants mentioned their attention based on
the people they interact with. If they are interacting with a person they know or think
important (for example, a potential employer or superior) they are more likely to think
etiquette is important. For example, one female mentioned how Mr. Hawleys initial apathy
affected her first impression of him. She said, well, especially when you were down and on
your phone, I thought, I feel bad for this group, he seems terrible. Now I know youre not,
but that was the impression. I scored a 4 on it. I was thinking in the terms of
professionalism. And if you came into an interview and did that I would be turned off.
One the contrary, when interacting with someone who he or she is not trying to impress or
pleases, etiquette seems to not matter as much. Also it is important to note that people
simply develop pet-peeves that particularly matter to them. With etiquette becoming
more subjective, the social standard we were once held to is dissolving into a guessing game
of preference.

5.

Dress ranked the highest as a factor of our first impressions in both the Likard scale

on the written quiz as well as in the spoken word. The word dress was mentioned 10 times
in the focus group and 4 other references were made to what people were wearing. When
asked what are the first indicators of a possible friendship in a first encounter dress was
mentioned as a large factor. One participant said, Id see someone dressed like you and Id
think, hey hes chill, he dresses like me, we could be friends. On a Likard scale from one to
five, one being not important in a first impression and five being important, four of the
group rated dress with a five, three rated dress with a 4 and two rated dress with a 2. When
one of the participants who rated dress as a 2 was asked about his answer, he said, Well,
often times slimy sales people dress nice. And not to say all sales people are bad, but
frequently people who dress nice are less true. They use it to hide their credibility... When I
see someone in khakis and a polo, initially Im like gosh, theyre going to sell me

something.
Even though he ranked a two, his attitude indicated that dress indeed had a strong
effect on his first impression but he ranked it low because it was a negative impression.
This quote exemplifies an unexpected trend in the group that showed that nice dress or
attractiveness created a higher level of expectancy, not a higher level of respect.
One participant said, Before I was married, and I would see a guy that was well
put together and I would think hes a jock or a prep and automatically he would have to
prove more.
Dress is one of the strongest indicators to us about a person because were easily
able to align it with pre-existing opinions about current social groups. Because of the
trending informal tendencies in our society, formal clothing is often associated with work,
greed, or boring things and thus informal clothing is preferred. In situations where formal
clothing is necessary, higher standards are expected of those wearing formal clothing and
when those standards are not met, negative impressions are formed.
Another factor to this would be the price of clothes. If a nice wardrobe is expensive
then those who wear nice clothes must be rich and then they spend their money on
themselves.

6.

Conversation dominance is one of the most negative effects on first impressions

because people like to be listened too. One person in the focus group said, Mine is talking
when someone else who has the floor is talking. Like when I was in FFA I was in
Parliamentary Procedure, so maybe thats why I have this opinion. But when someone is in
charge of a meeting you dont talk, like theyre in charge, and when one person is in the
back just talking really loud, its one thing to ask a couple questions, but when theyre just
talking the whole time like when someone is giving a presentation it just drives me crazy.
People dont want to be around someone who only likes to hear themselves talk. When
someone is willing to listen to what the other person has to say, it makes that person feel
important. On the other hand, if someone is doing all the talking it seems selfish as well as
impolite.

CONCLUSION
Etiquette plays a large role in first impressions especially dress and confidence.
However, first impressions are frequently inaccurate assessments of a person. Based on the
findings, etiquette is still alive and important in our society. But, contrary to the historical
idea of formal etiquette, modern ideas of etiquette are more subjective and adapted to
culture and lifestyle.
Evidently, confidence, but not arrogance, is directly correlated with good etiquette.

Being confident is connected with being well-mannered and respectful in treating others.
Some of the most positive descriptions of good etiquette friendly, eye contact, outgoing
tango with the idea of confidence. In contrast, some of the most negative descriptions of
bad etiquette were disengaging and dominating. Thus, there is a thin line between
confidence and pride, which guards proper manners today. Etiquette is a large factor in
first impressions and is viewed as important in society.

APENDIX
Transcript
(Writing)
Gary: As the last few people are finishing up their thoughts The first one, The way a
person dresses affects their credibility. What were some of the numbers you guys put?
(Numbers said.)
M4: I scored lower on that. I put a two.
Ryan: Why was that?
M4: Well, often times slimy sales people dress nice. And not to say all sales people are bad,
but often times people who dress nice are less true. they use it to hide their credibility.
Gary: So they use it to get the credibility?
M4: Yeah, its a deception. When I see someone in khakis and a polo, initially Im like
gosh, theyre going to sell me something.
Ryan: What about someone else who rated like a 4?
F2: I was going say true, but then there are also other things that make you lower the
credibility of someone. So there are other things along with it.
Ryan: So other behaviors to go along with the dress
F1: I was thinking, the dress affects the credibility, but it doesnt make it. For a slimy
salesman its not his dress, but his tactics and motivations that make him bad.
M2: I was going to put a 5, but then I thought of people like Mark Zuckerberg. If you saw
him in the street you wouldnt think it was a businessman that was super successful just
because of his dress. But other people like Donald Trump who always wears a suit.
Gary: They define themselves by their dress?
M2: Yeah, it can. But there are people on both sides.
Ryan: But it probably would if you didnt know who Mark was. Wouldnt it affect your
first impression?
M4: Yeah, it would. But hes still credible.
Gary: The next one: A persons posture affects their likability based on first impressions.
What are the reasons you put the score you did?
M1: I scored low on that too. I put a 2. I based it on people I already know all sorts of
different people. And I dont think I like someone less because of his or her posture.
M3: As far as first impressions go, I put a 5 on that one. Cause if I walk into a room and a

persons slouched in the corner, theyre showing by their body language that they dont
want to talk to me.
Ryan: Did Garys posture affect your first impression?
M3: I honestly didnt notice you there. I was talking to (M4) most of the time.
Ryan: Did Garys posture affect anyone?
(Hand raised.)
Gary: What affect did it have on you?
F1: Well, especially when you were down and on your phone, I thought, I feel bad for this
group, he seems terrible. I know youre not, but that was the impression. I scored a 4 on it.
I was thinking in the terms of professionalism. And if you came into an interview and did
that I would be turned off.
M4: In the sense of job interviews it shows that youre interested, concerned and
converting energy towards whats happening. Its symbolic of how much you care.
Gary: Rather than be distant and put off youre actually there.
Ryan: It shows the attitude the person carries? Are there any other thoughts?
F2: I think in addition to attitude its about how confident they are. Somebody may give the
wrong impression of professionalism if theyre slouched. It doesnt make you look good or
seem like you have etiquette. Sometimes it can be disrespectful because youre not reattributing their respect. Youre not showing all the confidence you have.
Gary: So the last one: A persons handshake affects their trustworthiness. What are some
comments on that? I think Ryan was able to shake everyones hand
Ryan: I almost got everyones hand.
Gary: When you shake someones hand does that help you tell how you feel about him or
her?
M4: I guess it does, I put a really low score on that one. Like there are some cultures that
dont shake hands very hard. Like Im just going to throw this racial stereotype out there.
Asians, for example, oftentimes have very flimsy handshakes, but Im sure theres some
very trustworthy Asians. So maybe I look for the exceptions too much, but in our culture it
is.
Gary: So maybe handshakes are more of a culture thing?
M4: Yeah
Ryan: What do you think?
F5: I grew up on a farm so it kind of just defined you as a strong hard working,
trustworthy person - if you gave a strong handshake. So coming here and meeting other
people and shaking their hands, thats kind of the one of the first things I see. Im like,
OK, Im a girl and he has a really flimsy handshake, theres something going on here.
Maybe he was raised different; or maybe hes not trustworthy. So I guess maybe just from
my background, thats why a handshake makes me trust someone more.
M3: I think a persons willingness to get up out of their chair, and go shake someones hand
and make eye contact with them and introduce themselves it shows that they care about
whats about to happen. Like when Ryan came and shook our hands I was like, wow this is

a real thing for him, hes serious about this. Whereas you (Gary) were like sitting in the
chair like, Hi guys. And so I was like who is this guy, is he one of us? So I think a
handshake can really engage people and show them how important you think something is.
Gary: Alright so the rest of the questions we just want you to write just enough of your idea
down, so you can remember what you were going to say, but were not going to spend a lot
of time on it. And then were going to discuss. What bothers you most about somebodys
etiquette, or lack thereof?
Ryan: Just do three right now, if youve already gone on thats all right. Well I think well
start discussing this right now, anything that stuck out to you?
M3: Chewing with their mouth open!
Gary: Like with the gum?
M3: I didnt notice you, but yeah.
F1: I really hate apathy that just drives me nuts. When someone doesnt have any
ambitions or goals, or if theyre not assertive or have an opinion
Ryan: Complacency.
F1: It drives me crazy
M4: Mine is talking when someone else who has the floor is talking. Like when I was in
FFA I was in Parliamentary Procedure, so maybe thats why I have this opinion. But when
someone is in charge of a meeting you dont talk, like theyre in charge, and when one
person is in the back just talking really loud, its one thing to ask a couple questions, but
when theyre just talking the whole time like when someone is giving a presentation it just
drives me crazy.
F5: Mine is texting when you are talking with someone. Like, I made it to nationals in a job
interview competition and I placed pretty high. And there was this girl who was in my
chapter who wanted to do an interview and I said, Yeah come over to my house Ill give
you some pointers. And she came over and sat on the couch and texted over half the time,
and I just wanted to say, I dont think youre going to do good because I dont even think
youre listening to me. And it just drove me nuts.
Ryan: So what do you girls think?
F3: Um, I put, like when people arent confident like if they shake your hand, or you can
tell in their posture. That kind of bugs me.
Ryan: A lack of confidence?
F3: Yeah
Ryan: Yeah. What do you think?
F4: I dont like it when people dont look at me when I talk to them.
Ryan: (Wandering)
F2: Like her, when theyre purposefully being disengaging, and theyre doing something.
Or like when somebody comes and stands and theyre standing like this (body turned
away), and theyre talking to you like this. And its like either you face me or walk away!
Dont do a mixture of both! Or when they have like a foul mouth, I cant stand people like
that.

Ryan: Did you have something to say?

M1: Just interruptions and stuff, or when someone is completely dominating the
conversation.
The way that one is brought up, will change how etiquette will change your first
impression.
Question 6:

For the most part people hold others to a higher standard.

Jock/Cheerleader

People who are more attractive, have more to prove F1: Before I was married, and I
would see a guy that was well put together and I would think hes a jock or a prep and
automatically he would have to prove more.
Questions 7:

M4 said, I had a roommate that at our first meeting you would think he was the most
rude and inconsiderate person. He would go into people's fridges and eat other peoples
food and even eat food from other peoples plates. And now once I got to know him, he is
one of the best people that I have ever known.

F2: There was a roommate I had, that when I first met her I thought she was nice and
kind but not so open. She was reserved and quiet. After getting to know her, she was very
blunt with people and rude.

M1: Yes, public vs. private.

Yes, because we make assumptions.

Questions 8:

M1: Some people appear to be talking but really are not. (Saying pointless things.)

M3: Poor etiquette and the treatment of others are different things.
o How we act, is very different than how we treat other people. Etiquette is how I carry
myself and is different than how I treat you.

M4: Sometimes great people just simply were not taught good etiquette.
Question 9:

M1: Signs of intelligence are when people are quiet but attentive. When they have clear
speech and appropriate mannerisms. When other people are talking, he doesnt have time
to think about what people are saying.

F4: They have answers and know what they are talking about.

F5: I tie intelligence to common sense. There are two people walking together and then
the other person comes and walks straight through them. They are not smart because that
was not common sense.

Consent Form
In this focus group you will be recorded in both audio and visual formats. While all your
answers will be analyzed for trends and patterns, your identity will remain anonymous to
everyone but the researchers. No names or identifiers will be used in papers and
publications and no video will be released with the publication. Your participation in this
evaluation is completely voluntary and you may withdraw your consent to participate at
any time during the process.

I hereby affirm that I have read and agree with the preceding terms and conditions.
Sign Here:

Annotated Bibliography
1. Okoro, E. (2012). Cross-cultural etiquette and communication in global business:
Toward a strategic framework for managing corporate expansion. International Journal of
Business and Management, 7(16), 130-138.
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1037680965?accountid=9817
This article discusses the importance of learning cross-cultural etiquette and
interpersonal relationships in the business world. While not being aware of the proper
etiquette of other cultures can raise a number of challenges and misunderstandings, proper
training about cross-cultural etiquette can open many more business opportunities that are
likely to bring lasting success for the company. In order to avoid these problems and have
smooth interactions with international clients and colleagues, big businesses realize and
seek the opportunity of providing cross-cultural training on communication etiquette.
Nowadays, it becomes one of the required skills for employees interviewing for positions in
successful companies with global operations.
The article consists of discussing cross-cultural communication for international
management assignments, global managers and cross-cultural etiquette, managing for
world-wide competitive advantage, rules of etiquette in cross-cultural management,
managers and cross-cultural effectiveness, and current issues and trends. Research studies
also have been included to provide scholar support for the role of cross-cultural etiquette in
business.
Japan, China, England, and Germany are just a few of the examples that are
brought to illustrate cultural and ethical differences. Issues like attire, handshake, verbal
and non-verbal communication, table manners and other areas of etiquette are discussed.
With ever increasing globalization in todays world, it becomes essential to know,
understand and practice cross-cultural etiquette skills. The success of a company might lay

heavily on the understanding of those key principles by the managers, as well as the
ordinary employees. Whether it is a business-to-business communication, or interactions
with clients, cross-cultural etiquette is the key to success.
2. B. J. Bushman, B. Gibson. Violent Video Games Cause an Increase in Aggression Long
After the Game Has Been Turned Off. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 2010.
This study analyzed the effect of video games on aggression. Those that played video
games before taking a math test rated their assistants more negatively than those who had
not played video games beforehand. This contributed greatly to our study in that we began
to analyze and ponder which behaviors would particularly bother a person despite the
video games or not. The experimental process of this study also gave us an idea how we
wanted to do our research and although this idea was changed over time, it was still the
genesis of our project.
3. Norman J. Bregman, et al. "Student Evaluations Of Instruction: When Are Enduring
First Impressions Formed?." North American Journal of Psychology 12.1 (2010): 8191.Academic Search Premier. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.
This was an interesting study that can be applied to our research area. It was a fieldbased methodology where psychology students completed three Student Evaluations of
Instructors. The purpose of their study was to understand how quickly we make enduring
impressions. This directly correlates with our area of research because our first impression
studies can have an aspect of endurance that we may have otherwise overlooked.
The research they performed comes from three evaluations that students complete
about their professors. The first is given on the first day of class; the second two weeks into
the semester; the third on the last day of class. They also took into consideration as a
variable priming before the semester. They gave the professor a reputation that was
highly positive or negative. This took place before the students even met the professor faceto-face. This act of priming was found to be a compelling part of overall impressions that
students have of professors. If we already know something about someone, we are more
likely to believe the reputation or assumption.
Based on the research, the team concluded that most enduring impressions are
formed after the first interaction with someone. In the classroom setting the impression was
formed after the first hour of class. The results of the surveys generally did not change
between the first-day survey and the last-day survey.
4. Wyer, Natalie A. "You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First (Implicit)
Impression." School of Psychology, University of Plymouth (2010) Ebscohost. Web. Feb 26,
2013.
The article is based on implicit and explicit impressions, so I would first like to
quote from dictionary.com the definition of both of these words. Implicit: implied though
not plainly expressed. Essentially or very closely connected with; always to be found in.

Explicit: Fully and clearly expressed or demonstrated; leaving nothing merely implied;
clearly developed or formulated.
Now that we have a better understand of what is meant when these terms are used, I
can explain what the articles main premise is. The article is based on one experiment that
participants formed an impression of a target person based on his membership in a social
group and, in some conditions, detailed behavioral evidence. Later, half of the participants
were given reason to believe that the initial information that they had been given was
wrong, and that the target actually belonged to a different social group. Implicit and
explicit measurements of participants impression of the target were then collected. Results
showed that, explicit impressions were effectively corrected in light of the new information,
implicit impressions continued to reflect initial beliefs.
After this experiment, the notion that first impressions based on explicit
observations last forever is extinct and proven incorrect. The experiment showed that
explicit impressions about others are actually fairly easy to change as long as the basis for
the original belief is undermined or discredited. Implicit impressions are less flexible and
are harder to change.
5. Yeung, Shirley. Natural Manners: Etiquette, Ethics, and Sincerity in American Conduct
Manuals (235-48). Fordham University Press, 2010.
Etiquette used to be a class defining characteristic, if you knew how to act a certain
way you were usually part of a specific class. It also kept people in their class, if you
couldnt act like someone from the middle class you were kept in the lower classes, same
with the middle to upper classes, even if those people were doing well financially.
Learning etiquette gave people a way to move up (as long as they were doing well
financially). It also was connected to ethics; people with good etiquette were often thought
to have better ethics. This still effects how we see people today, even though etiquette has
changed and the rules are not as strict. People who can talk well, and act politely are
trusted more readily than those who talk incorrectly, or who do slightly rude or socially
unacceptable things.
It is possible to abuse etiquette. It is around to make people feel comfortable and at
ease, but if youre focusing so much on following the proper etiquette that you make others
(and even yourself) feel uncomfortable, you are completely failing at the whole purpose of
having good etiquette. Etiquette also, in a way, makes it harder to be sincere, because you
say what is correct to say, but not so much what you actually feel. People say the right thing
instead of the true thing; they get caught up in speech where it is elegant but empty. This is
less of a problem now (because we have less rules on the exact kind of answers you should
give for certain questions) but people will still be more concerned about saying what sound
good rather than what they actually believe.
6. Mcniel, Pattie. Why Manners and Etiquette Matter and Why it is Key to Success for
Today's Graduates. Biznik.com, 2010. http://biznik.com/articles/why-manners-and-etiquette-

matter-and-why-it-is-key-to-success-for-todays-graduates
First impressions are important because you may or may not get a second chance at
a first impression, it often never happens. Words account for about 7 percent of our first
impression, the quality of your voice makes up about 38 percent and 55 percent is based on
appearance. Spend time to determine how you want people to perceive you before you go
out and buy your wardrobe for a professional career.
In the world we live travel and international business is becoming more and more
common, because first impressions are so important people need to learn how to be civil in
different cultures. Do a little research on what is acceptable and what is not before you
travel to a different country, their etiquette is often different, and in order to make
everyone (including yourself) comfortable you should understand what is expected there.
Some stats from the article state,
The more you learn and know about etiquette the more it is going to enhance
your professional career and image. 12 percent leave their jobs because of incivility
in the workplace. The average cost to replace each of those workers who leave is:
$50,000 (1.5 to 2.5 times their annual salaries) 1
The annual cost of job stress to U.S. corporations: $300 billion 2
The amount of time Fortune 1000 executives spend resolving employee
conflicts: 7 weeks per year 3
So much time and money is spent because of bad etiquette, clearly it is just as
important now as it ever was, even though it is different than before.
7. Shevlin, Mark. "Can You Judge a Book by Its Cover?."Personality and Individual
Differences 35 (2003):6. Elsevier. Web. Feb 26, 2013.
The focus of this study was an experiment used to test the accuracy of peoples
judgements based solely on appearance. 60 college students in Ireland were asked to make
assumptions solely based on the headshots of 36 students in the united states. Their answers
were compared to the combined answers of families and friends. For the pictures all
participants were asked to keep a neutral expression and the Irish students were also asked
to fill out likert scales of attractiveness. All responses with a higher level of attractiveness
were disregarded.
The results of the test showed that while emotional and social behaviors could not be
accurately predicted through this first impression, mental capacity and ability results
between the family and friends and the complete strangers was statistically significant.
This study showed the importance of appearance in zero-acquaintance meetings but
completely disregarded the importance of behavior and it will require different studies to
show if behavior does or does not affect this initial impression that is taken solely upon
appearance. The research here gives no specific reason for why humans tend to make these
judgments or any correlation between particular pictures and the participants responses.
They do suggest however that these subconscious properties could have arisen out of

natural selection.
8. Crossen, Cynthia. "Taste: Etiquette for Americans Today." The Wall Street Journal,
December 28, 2001. ProQuest. Web. Feb 26, 2013.
The focus of this article was that etiquette is far more than table manners. It talked
about several books that have come out in recent years that discussed decent behavior in
places we all go everyday: the grocery store, your childs school, and especially online.
Its focus is not so much in setting a label of dos and donts but rather it simply finds
issues that people dont normally think about and asks the reader to judge for themselves
based on how people have felt about things like this in the past.
It is a very helpful article for anyone needing to understand how etiquette still plays
a large role in the modern world as well as analyze the why. It is very detailed in its
approach and in the topics, which are specific to what is considered a normal person.
While this source talked very little of first impressions, it is of valuable qualitative
use in understanding why humans feel the way they do and what would impact their first
impressions.
9. Oyler, H. R. (2000, Sep 30). Mind your manners, or is that proper etiquette? Today's
Woman, 10, 60-60.
http://search.proquest.com.byui.idm.oclc.org/docview/196595991/abstract?accountid=9817
Joan Sue Mihalovic from The Louisville Etiquette Institute explains the difference
between etiquette and manners. He says that manners are simply ways of social behavior
and can change with time, depending on a situation. However, etiquette, on the other hand,
is a set of rules that determine good manners. These rules should never change, but ought
to be a guiding key in our social, professional, and family lives.
Mihalovic goes on to mention that the introduction of women into the business
world made a difference in the way women used to be treated. A woman used to be taken as
a lady. Now in the business world she is treated on the same level as a man. Mihalovic
provides some tips on introductions, lunch etiquette, opening doors, and management of
cell-phones while business meetings. Today gender plays no role in the professional world,
and the ever-growing competition between men and women keeps increasing around the
world.
Amidst this aggressive competition, only those who know proper business etiquette
become successful. Mihalovic emphasizes, good manners are good business." Things that
you would normally consider proper in social, or family life, will not play any difference in
a business field. With all of these rapid changes and transformations that take place in the
world today, it is essential to know the rules of proper professional manners, as they really
stand out from others types of etiquette and will only help those who practice it to survive
in the ever increasing world of competition.
10. Post, Peggy. "Etiquette for Today." Good Housekeeping, May1997.

http://web.ebscohost.com.byui.idm.oclc.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=ae5149e6-282f4dbe-9a50-b5f1fa857df2%40sessionmgr15&vid=5&hid=27
This article gives the public a reference point to measure self-etiquette in daily life
and more importantly within a business environment. There have been many changes over
the years and proper etiquette is not what is used to be. This article explains what is
proper in todays society. It goes through basic etiquettes that a lot of us overlook. From
cover letters to thank you letters, it explains what people should do to fit into the business
environment.
Cover letters: This is the first thing that a company is shown that represents you. It
is so important that you make it you and not just to fit into what everyone else is doing.
Certain rules concerning business etiquette apply to written correspondence in support of
your candidacy. You should select a quality paper stock for both the resume and the cover
letter. This is vital to make a good first impression. It should contain only what is most
important about you. Make sure there are no errors. This is a big reason that cover letters
and resumes are overlooked.
On-site Interviews: First impressions are so important when you first meet someone
in person. Cover letters only get you the interview. When you get the chance to meet them
in person and get an on-site interview, you must impress them. Be comfortable in your own
skin. DO NOT try to be someone that you are not. They are looking for the best fit, so be
yourself because it will only help you in the long run.
This article gave a great summary of what should take place in the pre-work
environment and business world. The main piece of information that we should take from
this is that in order to impress other people we need to be ourselves and not try to pretend
to be someone else.