A trainee at a UBA Graduate Management Accelerated Programme graduation ceremony in Accra was recently stopped mid-greeting by Group Chairman Tony Elumelu after she addressed him simply as "Tony". The exchange, captured in a video, has gone viral, sparking a conversation about workplace culture and etiquette in Ghana.
The Unwritten Rules of Corporate Respect
Juliet Enam Dogbatse, an HR professional, recently examined the video, exploring the unwritten rules of corporate respect. According to her, the exchange highlights the importance of addressing superiors with the correct title and respect. In many Ghanaian workplaces, it's customary to address senior officials with their titles, such as "Chairman" or "Managing Director", rather than just their first names.
In the video, the trainee, likely unaware of the unwritten rules, greets Elumelu with a simple "Good morning, Tony." Elumelu, initially appearing to take the greeting lightly, responds with "Toyin? Toyin?" before correcting the trainee. The exchange has sparked a conversation about the importance of respecting one's superiors in the workplace.
The Importance of Titles in Ghanaian Culture
In Ghana, titles are an essential part of the culture. They signify respect, authority, and hierarchy. In many workplaces, titles are used to address senior officials, and it's customary to use them when speaking to or about them. Using a title shows respect and acknowledges the person's position of authority.
In the case of Elumelu, addressing him as "Tony" rather than "Chairman Elumelu" or "Mr. Elumelu" was seen as a breach of etiquette. The exchange highlights the importance of being mindful of cultural norms and customs in the workplace.
The Consequences of Not Following Unwritten Rules
The consequences of not following unwritten rules in the workplace can be severe. In some cases, not addressing superiors with the correct title can be seen as a sign of disrespect, which can lead to disciplinary action. In this case, the trainee's mistake was likely a genuine oversight, but it highlights the importance of being aware of cultural norms and customs in the workplace.
The exchange has sparked a conversation about the importance of respecting one's superiors in the workplace. It's a reminder that titles are an essential part of Ghanaian culture and should be used when addressing senior officials.
What's Next for the Trainee?
The trainee's mistake has likely had significant consequences for their future in the workplace. The incident has been shared widely on social media, and it's likely that the trainee will face disciplinary action for their mistake. However, the incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting one's superiors in the workplace.
The exchange has sparked a conversation about the importance of titles in Ghanaian culture and the consequences of not following unwritten rules in the workplace. It's a reminder that cultural norms and customs are essential in the workplace and should be respected.
Source: 3News
