SOFT POWER DIPLOMACY

Japan’s soft diplomacy phenomenon is portrayed through “Pop Culture Diplomacy.” The Japanese government’s program uses anime (animated cartoons) and manga (a comic style) to achieve a foreign policy goal. The use of pop culture as a diplomatic strategy stands in appealing, warm, and humane opposition to the threat of military power. While reliance on pop culture as a means of soft diplomacy and nation branding has significant potential for international relations, nations must be cautious in developing these practices. Recent initiatives in Japan, Britain, Turkey and the United States reveal the possible benefits and pitfalls of soft diplomacy and nation branding through popular culture.

Soft Power

Joseph Nye Jr, a political scientist during the 1980s, defined soft power as a country’s ability to influence others without resorting to coercive pressure. When put into practice, it entails a process where countries project their values, ideals, and culture across borders to foster goodwill and strengthen partnerships. The concept of soft power was first used in 1990 by the American Political Scientist Joseph Nye. In his article, Nye focuses on how America will rebuild the hegemonic power of the unipolar world after the Cold War. The debate has been shaped around ‘how power has changed in international relations. Countries must constantly renew themselves in the global competition.

Countries have developed tools and strategies to help them outperform their competitors in global competition. The country’s soft powers and brand are the most important tools. Positive images of the countries attract investment, tourism, and security. The country brand has evolved into an essential soft power tool in this context. The countries’ brand values and soft powers directly impact one another. Countries with a high brand value also have effective soft power. A country’s soft power is primarily based on three factors: its culture (in places where it is appealing to others), its political values (when they are upheld at home and abroad), and its foreign policies (when they are seen as legitimate and having moral authority.)

Soft Power Diplomacy

Soft diplomacy is one of those words with a hazy definition that you recognise when you see it. Typically, it refers to attempts to engage directly with the public in indirect ways; it’s diplomacy’s soft power equivalent in that the goal isn’t so much to accomplish a specific substantive task as it is to try and change the fundamental basis on which a diplomatic relationship exists between countries. In and of itself, diplomacy evolves from the IR theory of Liberalism, which promotes cooperation among state actors for the peaceful resolution of conflicting issues in a win-win situation. As a big fan of Joseph Nye’s work on liberalism and soft power, I can say that soft diplomacy is based on the same idea.

Soft diplomacy is a process of mutual empowerment in which no direct goal-oriented action is taken, but efforts are channelled indirectly to achieve the goal. There is some debate about whether the affected state actors will directly participate. I believe that state actors are involved in some cases, and some indirect state actors engage in soft diplomacy.

European Union Soft Power Diplomacy

The EU is a leading intergovernmental organisation, and its success inspires non-member states to join the European integration project. The EU’s “soft power” stems from its willingness to offer a seat at the decision-making table, built on this promising foundation. This attractiveness ensures peace and security among European states, and the EU enlargement process strengthens the EU’s position on a global scale. As a result, the EU’s soft power benefits its member countries and the EU itself. This attractiveness ensures peace and security among European states, and the EU enlargement process strengthens the EU’s position on a global scale. Thus, the EU’s soft power benefits both its member countries and the EU itself. Soft power is being used by rising powers such as Russia, China, and India. Soft power and public diplomacy are lacking in developing countries.

Examples of Soft Power Diplomacy:

Korea

From the Gangnam style dance moves to the crazed fans of Korean pop groups like BTS, Twice, Black Pink, and the Oscar-winning film Parasite, as well as a large following of soft romance in Korean dramas. Korea is the new entertainment industry leader, in addition to establishing a foothold in the cosmetics and fashion industries, which have taken the world by storm.

India

India’s long history, culture, and civilisation is the most significant factor. These have drawn intellectuals and ordinary people from all over the world to India. So many brilliant minds from all over the world would not be working as Indologists if they were not attractive. Being in a strategic location and a global powerhouse of Asia, India also exercises soft power diplomacy through its vast diaspora, IT and pharmaceutical industries, and a foreign policy that values its neighbours.

China

China is one of the most powerful nations in terms of soft power diplomacy, from a global economic powerhouse to a centre of rich culture and traditions. China is a land that has it all, including our favourite Pandas, who are one of the key Chinese soft power diplomacy instruments.

Germany

Germany wields considerable influence and soft power in public policy, foreign relations, and international affairs. (Not afraid to criticise Russia or even support Iran for the JCPOA.) Germany is also a major contributor to global donations to international organisations and the most influential advocate for environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable development.

Conclusion

Soft Power is about winning people’s hearts and minds at its most basic. As a result, a people-centred approach is required. Governments cannot do much more than facilitating the process in this regard. Even if the concept of Soft Power is imprecise, Joseph Nye did well to highlight this important aspect of countries’ foreign policies. There is no country today that does not value this factor. Academics and intellectuals can be crucial in this endeavour.

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Writer by Eric Muhia, International Studies and Diplomacy Graduate Student.

21 March 2022, Kenya

Category: Diplomacy

Reference: EM210322D    

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DIGITAL DIPLOMACY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

Digital diplomacy has become a new and increasingly popular strategy aiming to broaden access to the United Kingdom cultural context and make it more accessible to people worldwide in this age of information society. (Grincheva, 2012)The British Council is the central diplomatic organisation in the UK and the second biggest charity organisation globally, whose aim objective is to develop international cultural and educational relations with different countries worldwide while maintaining a non-governmental status. According to the Royal Charter, The British Council’s purpose is to widen the exposure and knowledge of the English language and promote a broader global understanding of the UK. British Council programs include building intercultural dialogue through digital media tools because digital media is one of the key tools used by the British Council to expand its outreach across the globe.

The UK is among the few countries that take digital diplomacy and policy very seriously, especially in its creative industry and cultural sectors. The UK is aware of the importance of digital potential in enhancing and preserving its national cultural heritage. The UK government established an institution called the National Archives of the UK, which preserves the heritage of the UK in a digital form to make it more accessible for people all over the world online. The National archives, which serve England, Wales and the UK, hold up to 1000 years of national records and up to until October 2011; The National Archives had a sub-body called the Museums Libraries and Archives Council and this partnership aimed at empowering national museums and libraries providing experience through connecting them to national cultural heritage. The British Council employs the full potential of new media like the internet to promote the richness of the arts and British culture. The museum galleries have been applying digital technologies to reach new audiences. A lot of online programs and websites have been developed by the British Council to provide access to creative and cultural products of the UK on a global scale.

Digital diplomacy in the UK aims to showcase the UK’s cultural, national superiority and excellence to wider audiences. The British Council uses diplomacy in promoting its innovative practices, like building more democratic and inclusive societies around the world. The UK applies digital media to support English language learning and mastery through online interactive resources like learning English websites used by over 2 million teachers and students worldwide, providing unlimited materials necessary for effective English language learning, practising and examination.

The United Kingdom’s national ambition is to ensure that it’s one of the world’s leading digital knowledge economies employing digital technologies in economic initiatives. The digital diplomacy group was established in the UK to make sure the foreign and commonwealth office in the UK is a world authority on the theory and practice of digital diplomacy.

In conclusion, digital diplomacy has become a platform for attention generation by diplomats. Diplomats, just like almost everyone else, are competing for attention. This has led to attempts by some diplomats to use jokes or entertaining posts to make statements and trends online. An example is a post made by the Joint Delegation of Canada at NATO in 2014, which through a satirical post accompanied by a regional map, critiqued Russian actions in Crimea. The post generated attention in the diplomatic world about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Wanless, 2014)

References

Grincheva, N. (2012). Digital Diplomacy. International Policy Frame transformation in Diplomatic Discourse.

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Writer by Eric Muhia, International Studies and Diplomacy Graduate Student.

03 March 2022, Kenya

Category: Diplomacy

Reference: EM030322D    

 

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CHALLENGES OF PROTOCOL IN THE XXI CENTURY (I)

As we have discussed in previous articles, Protocol in the XXI Century and Origen of the Protocol, Protocol is a complex and transversal discipline with some challenges to face in the XXI century. The scientific research consulted has given us five challenges as a result. This will be the first article in a series of five where we will talk about all of them.

FIRST CHALLENGE: LACK OF KNOWLEDGE

The first challenge revolves around the general lack of knowledge about protocol, not only for the general public but also for digital and traditional media. If you are working in this profession, you know what I mean. If we went out on the street and asked the first ten people, we found that their answers would probably be between cutlery placement and royal issues if they knew what protocol is.

But we are by no means the first affirming this fact. Other professionals have said before that general society does not know what protocol is. It has been associated with unnecessary expenses, meals, etc. (Fuente Lafuente, 2013, p. 4). Words that have evoked other recent media articles –traditional and digital– denounce cases of politicians accused of spending excess money and associate this expense with protocol.

But let´s imagine for a moment that somebody would like to go deeper into the internet on the subject. What would happen?

Recently, there has been an explosion of protocol content online, either on websites or in blogs, video blogs… Anybody who would like to learn about our profession could quickly go online and do research. So, the question would be, what are they going to find?

María Gómez Requejo, project partner in Protocol Bloggers Point (PBP), a space dedicated to collecting all blogs in different languages that exist whose theme is protocol, wrote an article where she analysed this webspace. Her conclusions were as follows:

  • 7,6% of the blogs collected in this space can be considered made by researchers from the protocol world.
  • The profile of the bloggers is divided into 15,8% amateurs and 84,2% professionals from all areas of the protocol/event sector.
  • Only a tiny percentage of professionals are researchers, therefore dealing with the subject from a scientific perspective.
  • The content is not only written in Spanish but also in English. There are bloggers from 11 different countries.
  • The specific topics of the blogs are eight, but the ones that collect most of the cases are four: communication, events, protocol and ceremonial, and personal image and etiquette.

After that, the author focuses on the publications around protocol with a scientific character. There is one in operation in this area, the Revista de Estudios Institucionales, edited by the UNED (in Spanish), and the magazine Compé published its last copy in 2014.

The second part of this great misunderstanding about protocol comes from the media. Both traditional and digital.

Carlos Fuente makes the first approach to the phenomenon of the protocol in media. In his opinion, there is a tendency to identify protocol and its official events with the royal environment. This has a direct consequence, which is none other than calling it strict and tight. Outside the official sphere, it fits in the good manners and how to behave. (Fuente Lafuente, 2013b, p. 170).

This vision generally conveyed by the media has a clear consequence: the social distortion of the concept. The general public learns from the media that discipline consists basically of parties, unnecessary montages, etiquette and other frivolities. Therefore, society and media relate protocol with extra expenses.

Regarding the media, we find a recent study where this aspect is analysed in digitised media –press, radio and TV– from 1979 to 2016 (De la Serna Ramos, 2017).

One of the things that research shows from the beginning is that learning what protocol is from media is impossible. And that with the emergence of digital media and social networks, the situation has nothing but worsened. The association of the term protocol is linked to subjects like clothing or social education only. The impression is that the media is not interested in whether the user is correct or not; they only need a headline that attracts readers. Saying «Pope Francis has broken protocol» has much more impact on the reader than «Pope Francis has stopped to talk to an acquaintance».

In short, the public’s lack of awareness is a thing that has an “easy” solution with the dissemination of knowledge to a greater or lesser extent. But changing and correcting what people have been hearing time and again in the media is a whole different thing that adds up to an already difficult situation for protocol.

Despite this, De la Serna Ramos reaches four conclusions in her research:

  • It cannot be said that the term protocol is always misused in the media since the use is appropriate and rigorous in some cases.
  • Secondly, in the Spanish case, with the arrival of democracy, the discipline began to find its place in media related to the authorities and the political class.
  • On the other hand, in the first years of the XXI century, an increase in the improprieties of the term and the discipline is detected. This is linked to etiquette in the society pages again.
  • Finally, and in view that the situation is more negative than positive, De la Serna Ramos proposes a measure to improve this discipline in media: include protocol subjects in journalism degrees and studies. Currently, only two universities with these studies offer this option.

Therefore, this situation is complicated to reverse and represents the first major challenge that the protocol has in the XXI century. There is, without a doubt, a significant lack of awareness on the part of the public in general, and this does not seem to be improving in the light of the situation with the media as described above.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

De la Serna Ramos, M. (2017). Tratamiento del protocolo en los medios de comunicación. Una aproximación. Revista de Estudios Institucionales, IV, 11-26.

Fuente Lafuente, C. (2013a). Los necesarios cambios en el Ceremonial de Estado. Compé. Revista Científica de Comunicación, Protocolo y Eventos, 4-19.

Fuente Lafuente, C. (2013b). Percepción de los medios de comunicación sobre el protocolo. Compé. Revista Científica de Comunicación, Protocolo y Eventos, 1, 156-173.

Gómez Requejo, M. (2017, junio 27). La importancia de los blogs en la divulgación/difusión del protocolo. El caso “Protocol bloggers point”. Revista Estudios Institucionales, 4(6), 117-136. Retrieved from http://revistas.uned.es/index.php/EEII/article/view/18862

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Writer by Daniel Delmás, Professional of events and protocol.

15 February 2022, The Netherlands

Category: Protocol 

Reference: DD15022022P    

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

SOFT SKILLS PROPELLING PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS IN POST-PANDEMIC ECONOMY

The past two years brought unprecedented changes to how we live and work. As the second wave of The Great Resignation is forecasted to descend upon all industries in the middle of 2022, employers and employees are fundamentally rethinking their future strategies.

Whilst it is tough to foresee the true expend of changes and the lasting effects on post Pandemic world, it is evident that changes are here to stay.

Research conducted by Harvard University has consistently shown that 85% of career success is attributable to well‐developed soft and people skills. Traditionally, the emphasis on business etiquette was placed in a professional environment to build long term business relationships and customer rapport. In the current climate, however, employers began to recognise that people skills are necessary not only for potential candidates to stand out but also for corporations to preserve the talent they already have working for them.

The Pandemic catalysed the ever-growing dynamic equilibrium in the job markets worldwide, the most significant change since The Industrial Revolution. The aim is to excel in this short window of opportunities, where companies are willing to hire people with a wide range of experience and invest in the training of their employees. Whilst lack of industry-specific knowledge or expertise is eagerly acknowledged and supported by the employers, well-developed soft and people skills remain imperative components and criteria when hiring.

Working from home digitised the way we interact with our colleagues and clients. As for many of us, main channels of communication are emails, telephone calls and video conferencing; it is more vital than ever to possess the ability of clear and concise communication, good manners, and the ability to build strong relationships with people, whom we may never get to meet in person. Rapid globalisation and outsourcing of the workforce added a further layer of necessity to communicate with people from different cultures across the world effectively. We have found ourselves in a world where knowledge and skills have been placed on the same plateau with professional decorum and cross-cultural sensitivity.

As someone whose primary professional expertise are in STEM, my conclusions are based on a unique blend of diligent observations and firm comprehension that developing good soft and people skills is very much a multidimensional phenomenon. In my opinion, the single ability to switch up and adapt one’s vocabulary depending on the audience is the most critical life skill one can master. To excel in a professional environment, personal presentation, listening skills, and efficiency must be learned. But above all, even if professional development is not on your priority list, it is worth remembering that Ai is estimated to replace 40% of current jobs within the next 15 years. With this undisputable prognosis in mind, it is worth remembering that soft skills will remain the most sought for expertise in job markets across the globe.

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Write by Anastasia Martel, a specialist in Etiquette  

8 February 2022, United Kingdom

Category: Diplomacy

Reference: AM80222D

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

PROTOCOL AND ETIQUETTE

In June 2018, Australia’s very own High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, the then titled Honourable Alexander Downer, and his Twitter faux pas splashed over the Australian news.  What did he do that made Aussie headlines?

Two weeks after officially leaving his post as High Commissioner, he used his ‘business’ account to tweet support to his daughter, Georgina Downer, who was forging a career in Australian politics.  The secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Department, Frances Adamson, stated that Alexander Downer “mistakenly used the account instead of his own” stated the Adelaide Independent New Indaily, Friday, Jun 1, 2018.

The rapid evolution of mobile technology, together with the emergence of social media, has significantly changed, to communicating instantly, letting millions know facts, figures, actions, reactions, and interactions.  How can social media and diplomacy work hand-in-hand?

Modern public diplomacy is used for the promotion and enhancement of a countries profile, critical humanitarian and consular events, and the explanation of economic developments.  The use of public diplomacy allows for open, transparent, and accountable dialogue, which enhances friendly relations, monitors events, gauges public sentiment, gathers information, and explains government policies and programs.  However, the Australian government states in an Administrative Circular of July 2014 that social media does not replace traditional avenues of announcements.

It was noted that in 2009 the United States Government piloted a program that used social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook in the Middle East, “increasing citizen engagement and civic participation”.  Also, that year the Israeli Foreign Ministry said they wanted to use social media to “focus less on Palestinian issues and more on the Iranian threat.” (Zhang & Fahmy et al., 2015).

For those in the diplomatic or government services that are tweeting, blogging, and using social media to get their word across to the masses through real-time channels, what guidelines do they follow?  Guiding them is the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Ethics, Integrity and Professional Standards Policy Manual and the Department of Communications and Parliamentary Branch.  Which begs the question, what can we do as individuals that are not working for the government department? How can we use social media mindfully?  Here are four tips for using social media to your advantage:

“Is my social media account private?”

Whether you have a public or private profile on social media, you are still leaving a digital footprint.  Whatever you post in word, photo, video, audio, or emoji can be screen-grabbed and passed around quickly, without your knowledge.

“What are my intentions today?”

Post information you want people to know and won’t regret one week, one year, or ten years from posting.  Always post positively and professionally.  Using courtesy is the best practice today.

“How can I keep safe?”

Keep personal information, such as your address, birth date, etc. off social media as hackers are constantly harvesting and farming for your personal information.

“What content will I display and post today?”

Be wise with photos, audio, and videos you take of other people.  Try to pixelate, blur or cut people out the best you can unless you have their consent to publish.  Consider your comments and the emojis that you attach to your comments.  Emojis have a powerful effect as non-verbal cues.  Adding emojis to social posts could bring confusion in interpretation.

“Ensure Intercultural Intelligence”

Symbols, emojis, illustrations, metaphors, and even the contextual meaning of words can be interpreted and experienced differently across countries and cultures. Mind your social media had a borderless reach and can be resent by anyone who has received it directly or indirectly.

Make sure that you master intercultural intelligence so that your message is “global proof” and will not cause embarrassing situations for you and the entity that you are representing.

May you use social media wisely and mindfully.

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 Written by Elizabeth SOOS, an expert in Etiquette  

27 January 2022, Australia 

Category: Diplomacy 

Reference: ES270121D

ProtocolToday is an expert organization, Founded by professionals with years of experience in Cultural Intelligence and Soft Diplomacy. They offer well-researched training programs to help you prepare for the international presence. Enhance your abilities to dine, converse, and present at an international stage.

Become discreet and make your mark!

PROTOCOL IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOL AND SOFT DIPLOMACY CONFERENCE 2021

INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOL AND SOFT DIPLOMACY CONFERENCE 2021

In the current era of unavoidable global relationships, knowledge about diplomacy, protocol, culture, and soft skills is essential to achieving business objectives. A successful business deal begins with comfortable relationships between the parties involved. It involves, among others, good manners, interpersonal intelligence, empathy, body language, assertive communication, personal image, and mutual appreciation.

Within this context, the “International Protocol and Soft Diplomacy Conference” was successfully held on Thursday, 9 (in English) and Friday (in Spanish), 10 December 2021. The conference was organised by PROTOCOLTODAY, a prestigious Dutch consultancy and academy firm specialising in protocol consultancy and international business skills training. ProtocolToday is also the publisher of the Global Mindset Magazine. The conference featured prominent speakers, approximately 100 participants from 33 countries, more than 12 embassies, international entrepreneurs and managers, and journalists from Diplomat Magazine EU.

This conference dealt with topics aimed at complementing those issues that, on multiple occasions, are omitted despite their enormous importance in negotiations with clients and possible strategic partners.

The program started with a presentation by Professor Dewanand Mahadew, CEO of NewEconomyStrategies (The Netherlands), on “Impactful Communication in International Business”. He emphasised the need to be cautious and discreet to avoid offensive situations. Knowledge about communication and understanding others is key to reasonable negotiations. Staying calm and positive is essential.” He recommended applying understanding, empathy, respect, prudence, and compassion.

He highlighted the urgency of “knowing how to navigate the world easily. That is, being able to ‘feel at home to avoid being seen as strangers. We must develop a global mentality and understand and learn about culture, politics, and economic systems to become familiar with the country we are visiting”. His speech included globalisation by specifying: “The globalised world requires connecting skills. This means feeling comfortable and being loved in the places we visit. We must have the ability to connect with other people despite existing differences”.

He referred to interpersonal skills as “communicate, persuading and negotiating, and having a critical mindset.” That is, being aware of what we do creatively and responsibly and enjoying a correct image. He suggested developing the “skills of knowledge, learning, and imagination.” Finally, he commented on the importance of appearance and how we express ourselves verbally and non-verbally in a business conversation. Apart from the first impression generated is the profile made of us.

René Spaan, leader of the Smart Mobility project (The Netherlands), addressed “Personal Anecdotes Working with Mexican Diplomacy”. He began with a revelation inherent in his experience: “If you work as many people, there may be those who do not keep their word”, alluding to the absence of seriousness in the business environment. He placed particular emphasis on credibility and on “legal and financial” factors in business.

Based on his recognised career, he recommended, when entering into trade agreements with Mexico, “to understand Mexican culture to become familiar with the cultural factors of the country in which you do business”. He was forceful in reiterating that the Aztec country is not “pure drug trafficking or illicit activities”, as is frequently exhibited through the media. It is a nation with extraordinary investment potential and rich historical diversity.

Gerardo Correas, president of the International School of Protocol (Spain), discussed “Protocol: Sentiment to Communicate” established several conclusive details aimed at understanding the function of the protocol and asserted “the protocol is nothing other than techniques to organise and they must occupy in each country depending on the current forms of communication. You have to place it in the context in which we live”.

He commented on working on the different emotions of the participants in an event to make it an experience and suggested that the social sciences be incorporated into the protocol to guarantee the proposed objective. He was conclusive when he said: “Each event should be an experience that channels feelings and emotions.”

He alluded to the “personal brand” and how it contributes to distinguishing, defining and differentiating. “To single out and enhance the entity’s brand, we must generate impact,” he said. It is a job that is the responsibility, in an organised way, to all areas of the company and “thinking about a global communication strategy.” Finally, he noted, “We must change the language or the words that protocol experts use to suit the public. It corresponds to transferring the protocol’s message in a simple way to society”.

Adriana Flores, an expert in Protocol & Diplomacy and founder of ProtocolToday (The Netherlands), spoke on “The Impact of Protocol and Diplomatic Skills in International Business”. She commented on how “internationalisation” has affected our lives worldwide. Therefore, she said, “we must know how to connect and be trained to deal with entrepreneurs and suppliers. We need to know the etiquette, protocol, and professional ethics” rules.

She highlighted the importance of knowledge in permanent professional growth and how “they will facilitate the opening of new doors in the workplace” and emphasised that “each of us must be the best ambassador of their own country in the world.” She shared her varied experience – in various international settings – and suggested creating a “business life” style to work.

She also referred to the connotation of “personal image”. She advised, “making the first good impression with impact. In business, etiquette is essential. We must adapt to the place where we will do business”. She reflected on deferential behaviour that includes values, ethics, and an impeccable track record that inspires respect and trust.

She also stressed that “we must be aware of the hierarchies of the country we visit and know the flags and symbols. The flags of a company should not be next to the emblems of the States. We must know about the matters concerning gift giving and receiving. Companies and embassies must have their gift protocol where they establish prices, details, and delivery methods. It is a symbol of friendship that means you are important; we appreciate it,” and she suggested giving the professional card according to the cultural context of the nation.

Héctor G. Pérez, president of the Enlazadot Business Chain (Mexico) stressed “Business Resilience”. He made a broad and exciting account of the business situation in his country and stated, “in Mexico, when it goes bad is when we get the most strength”. He highlighted “resilience” as the ability to adapt to an adverse situation and obtain favourable results.

He was categorical in his vision about the process of adaptation and evolution in Mexico for the times to come. “Social networks and digitisation have helped raise money,” he said. Finally, he gave a hopeful message by influencing: “We must believe in ourselves. It is not worth it if we do not believe in ourselves. It is a seasoning in us. We have to be empathetic with others in adverse moments.”

An enriching, reflective meeting, full of contributions and aimed at highlighting the scope and value of the protocol as a component of corporate work in its natural and broad connotation. Therefore, an imperative discipline to apply in our continuous efforts for professional growth. I evoke the pertinent reflection of Adriana Flores: “The power of protocol is essential; it is the art of communication.

By Wilfredo Pérez http://wperezruiz.blogspot.com/

PROTOCOLTODAY ACADEMY OF PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY

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Writer by Wilfredo Pérez Ruiz, Teacher, communicator, and consultant in protocol, ceremonial, social etiquette, and writer of Magazine Global Mindset, The Netherlands.

19 December 2021

Category: Business Protocol. Conference

Reference: WP191221BP

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE IN AFRICAN BUSINESS

In my last article, I dwelt on how African businesses must ensure that they prioritize cultural intelligence in all their undertakings in such a manner that all employees understand that the beliefs, values, and communication styles of their global client base are key to maintaining a competitive advantage.

Many years ago, I was a Team Leader in the marketing unit of one of Nigeria’s biggest and most successful international financial institutions. My office was located in the heart of a bustling, oil-rich city, and this meant that our clientele cut across high net worth people and organizations of very distinct and varied nationalities and cultures. My team was a repository of some of the organization’s smartest young people with top-notch training and hands-on experience in sales and marketing. A very hardworking colleague of mine was constantly following up with a customer – an Indian executive, and this entailed regular conversations over the telephone almost on a daily basis.

My colleague was of the Yoruba ethnic stock in Nigeria. If you are conversant with folks from that part of Nigeria, you would have noticed their natural predilection for effusive introductory salutations during conversations. The typical Yoruba conversationalist would naturally spend ample time repeatedly inquiring after the general wellbeing of all your relatives. It is their unique way of expressing love and concern.

None of us knew that, for months, my colleague had persisted in communicating with the Indian manager in this manner to the point of complete exasperation. On the day he finally decided to put a stop to the obvious irritation, the man sternly and curtly blurted out to my colleague over the telephone to spare him the long intro and “tell me business only!”

That was a classical case of cultural intelligence gone so wrong. Cultural Intelligence demands that we recognize that business in today’s world is hinged squarely on a holistic appreciation of cultural differences, beliefs, and attitudes that are very different from our own. To avert the sort of unpleasant scenario that unfolded in my colleague’s dealings with the Indian client, we must conscientiously get better at understanding and operating in a wide variety of cultures. A lack of cultural intelligence can lead to the type of gaffe that will cause upset and/or embarrassment, and which could potentially derail a business deal or project. Professionals that possess a high cultural intelligence quotient are more adept and successful at their work and business.

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Written by: Noela UGWU, Image Consultant and a communication expert.

7 November 2021, Nigeria

Category: Cultural Intelligence

Reference: NU171121CI

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

ORIGIN OF PROTOCOL: HUMAN COOPERATION

In the previous articles, we talked about protocol (Protocol in the XXI Century) from a scientific point of view. The existing literature on the discipline (Overview of the biography of Protocol) is like. Today we would like to talk about another equally relevant perspective: what is the origin of protocol?

The first answer that will probably come to our minds as professionals will be human socialisation. After all, it is a tool used in the celebration of symbols. But according to what we have researched from the perspective of sociology or psychology, this would be an obvious yet completely wrong answer among other disciplines.

From the psychological perspective, authors such as Ruiz Tafur (2009) review the phenomenon of socialisation according to authors such as Freud and Piaget. Her findings lead her to argue that it is defined as the acquisition of patterns of behaviour, attitudes and values that constitute the substrate on which the personality of the human being is built. Hence, socialisation would allow us to explain how the integration of the norms and standards of society occurs but not the process of creating them. Therefore, from this psychological perspective, the protocol does not come from the phenomenon of human socialisation.

Let’s look at the socialisation process from a sociological perspective. It is considered the process by which a person becomes a functional member of society, acquiring the culture that is his own. Socialisation is the process of acquiring a culture (Lucas Marín, 1986, p. 357). From this perspective, socialisation has an important weight because it entails a process of formation and growth of an individual but does not explain the origin of the protocol.

Ruling out human socialisation led us to investigate the latest scientific literature on human cooperation, and it is precisely there where we consider having found the origin of the protocol.

Studies argue that altruism or cooperation’s origin would be what we call parental altruism. In other words, it is the fact that occurs in animal and human species where cooperative behaviour is experienced with the nearest «family» to perpetuate the genetic makeup. This type of behaviour with the evolution of the species argues that it will be part of one or more genes in humans that will be transmitted from one generation to another. It is curious to say that the origin of cooperation is a selfish attitude.

This will produce what is called «reciprocal altruism» at one point or another. This implies a predisposition to altruism towards the nearest «family» and other people outside this nucleus who will also be recognised as altruists (Silva & Gustavo, 2015, p. 87). However, this is a limited altruistic behaviour since it is subject to expected retribution in the future. Taken to the animal world, we can give the alert call of some types of birds when a predator approaches to warn the rest of the group.

It is precisely at this point that a first step is taken towards the emergence of protocol since we move to the moment in which the human being realises that collaborating in groups -first with one or two people, and then with bigger groups- increases their chances of survival in their environment. This fact, moreover, is a turning point for humanity, as it will be able to discriminate between selfish and altruistic people. This situation is associated with an evolution in which the concepts of friendship, culture, moral aggression, etc., will emerge as elements that will reinforce, or not, cooperative behaviour. In addition, communication and other associated skills will also be developed.

With this scenario described, the necessary conditions are given for the birth of protocol. There will come a time when humans are in groups that need to equip themselves with rules that guarantee harmony. Who eats the most nutritious food? Who will be the gatherers, and who will be the hunters? Who sleeps in the safest place? Who has the necessary merits to lead, and what are those parameters that fit it? This situation is the origin of the protocol in our point of view. Settlements will be created, dominant individuals will emerge, coalitions and hierarchies will be identified with symbols, and gods will respond to and expand very abstract elementary concepts… The dominant power will realise that the use of events and protocol is a powerful communication tool that helps them stay in power and create a «brand image».

In addition, this origin would explain why each social group has a different type of protocol depending on its culture. Each of these groups that had no contact, or very limited, with each other has developed its own rules of coexistence and mechanisms. Therefore, to be able to deal with each other and maintain a peaceful coexistence, mechanisms have emerged that have given rise to what we call international and diplomatic protocol.

Protocol, hence, implies an escape from anarchy, chaos, and loneliness in search of the security offered by a group under a set of pre-established rules.

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BIBLIOGRAFIA

Acedo, C., & Gomila, A. (2013). Confianza y cooperatión. Una perspectiva evolutiva. Contrastes. Revista Internacional de Filosofía, 18, 221-238. https://doi.org/10.24310/contrastescontrastes.v0i0.1169

Calvo, P. (2017). Reciprocidad cordial: Bases éticas de la cooperación. Ideas y Valores, 66(165), 85-109. https://doi.org/10.15446/ideasyvalores.v66n165.53225

Lucas Marín, A. (1986). El proceso de socialización: un enfoque sociológico. Revista Española de Pedagogía, 44(173), 357-370.

Ruiz Tafur, P. (2009). La Investigación En El Tema De Socialización. Psicogente, 12(22), 326-340.

Silva, C., & Gustavo, A. (2015). Cooperación humana, reciprocidad y castigo. Un enfoque evolutivo. Revista Colombiana de Filosofía de la Ciencia, 15(30), 81-121. 

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Written by Daniel DELMÁS, Professional of events and protocol 

Category: International Protocol

Reference: DD171121IP

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

ANALYZING NETiquette’s VIRGINIA SHEA’S ADVISE (1)

Nowadays, overlooking NETiquette’s principles is practically equivalent to not knowing how to read or write since it is the way we are communicating in recent years. Doing it incorrectly can cause us some difficulties.

Although it may seem incredible, and despite the fact that this term took shape almost 30 years ago, many people still do not know it, and if they have heard of it, in many cases, they have not paid the necessary attention.

Thanks to the evolution of networks, spreading the many rules of this subject has not become as complicated as a literacy process would have been in past centuries; However, it is difficult to find people capable of recognising that they have much to learn about this branch, either due to lack of humility or because it is difficult to believe that it is necessary to handle behavioural principles for something as simple as writing and the use of the varied resources that technology provides today by means of electronic devices at our fingertips.

It must become an academic subject, but until that happens throughout the world, we are going step by step to deepen each of the aspects that involve the extensive knowledge of NETiquette under a global business approach. To begin this task, we will focus on the book “Netiquette” by Virginia Shea, known by many people who “The 10 Core Rules of Netiquette” was released for the first time 27 years ago, in 1994. So let’s get started!

Remember the human on the other side of the electronic communication. In online communication, it is very easy to forget that there is a human being who will receive our messages or someone behind the words we read. It’s easy to respond to a negative comment because it reads on a screen instead of looking into a person’s eyes. An implicit and misguided “freedom” often encourages acting or writing without prudently weighing the consequences.

As it is not a face-to-face task, we will not know with certainty the tone, emotion, intention, and expression of the person who transmits and receives a text or even the intensity of a message, which can lead to misinterpretations with serious and irreversible consequences.  A misunderstanding creates a terrible impression of someone who does not even know – (On the Internet, “the first impression” is stronger than in the face-to-face world) – since the way of expressing themselves, the way they answer, the attention paid, diligence, and other aspects of behaviour, mark important guidelines in the perception of those who read us, even more so in the business world.

We have to understand that poor communication skills online and showing a negative or wrong image could break relationships, destroy a reputation, or create significant group conflicts.

It is not surprising that meetings have become information by email, video calls, or video conferences in today’s business world. The pre-warning or rebuke that must be given in person is now given through a chat message or online communication. In the same way, corporate chat groups are something very common, such as the need for a Human Resources record. Here, we must ask ourselves if the administrators of these groups can support and consolidate that group of people with the characteristics and skills of a Public Relations Officer, understanding that they are in the position, not just adding or removing participants but even blocking or censor certain posts. That role function requires greater responsibility since he is responsible for several people who cannot see each other. That due to a negative cerebral predisposition when communicating systems that do not provide the clarity of what is said and what is meant, they tend to misinterpret or react adversely to an endless list of ambiguous messages or instructions that lead to a series of dislikes and difficulties that are not always easy to fix.

On the other hand, let’s not forget that everyone has the right to privacy and free time, so considering the company chats as an extension of the office is a serious mistake. The hours and days off must be respected outside working hours. The administrators of business groups or bosses must behave themselves under rules of respect and the emblem of considering others in their private lives that they would expect of themselves.

It is necessary to emphasise that online contact does not allow implicit communication; therefore, it becomes ambiguous and can be easy to offend or be offended. There is a great risk from the negativity bias in our mind programs to interpret ambiguity as unfavourable. Our messages must be carefully thought out to be sent, and an open mind is required to read those received. Who has not lived the fear of the message´s ghost that does not come with the idea that it is an unpleasant message? And when the messages arrive, if they are ambiguous, our brain will wander towards the worst possible interpretation.

For this reason, it is important to work to assume a positive intention on the part of our issuer/sender and provide a positive interpretation when reading. If we are convinced that it has a negative background, we should ask an explicit question in the most respectful way possible to clear up doubts. Based on these considerations, we have an obligation to aim for minimal or no ambiguity in our messages, with a transparent and trustworthy attitude. Sarcasm can be great for many people, but chat is not the right channel.

A retaining wall is thinking if our written words could be manifested head-on/straightforward. It is very easy to write negative words or comments because we do not see or perceive the expression of displeasure, anger, frustration, or even pain, of the person who receives them. If the answer is no, we should review and rewrite until we are certain that we are not sending something we do not mean to be sent. When the messages involve emotions, it is better to wait for some time to stall and if it is unfailing, opt for the face-to-face message or the telephone. If there is an extreme circumstance, we must express something that we know. It will not make the receiver happy; let us try to ensure that our message fully transmits what is required to be expressed and thus, avoid misinterpretations, such as an admonition or a dismissal that cannot be given directly due to distance or connection problems.

Considering the human condition of our recipients, we do not send offensive or inappropriate messages, which can be saved and disclosed. Let’s remember that once we send, we lose control of how far it goes. Surely the aggravated person could feel the right to make the inappropriate message known if the circumstances require it, even escalating to legal measures such as defamatory evidence or other major offence. There is the case of Oliver North, a White House email system user, PROFS, who naively and diligently deleted incriminating notes that he sent or received but was unaware that, elsewhere in the White House, the systems´ managers stored said notes that were later used as evidence against him during the trial in which he was convicted.

To end, there is the reference of the commercial world, in which the chat has become the customer´s favourite channel because it provides instant responses and, when it is a live chat, a “human” side is shown as part of the corporate branding. Furthermore, it has been proven that companies that offer adequate chat services attain a 6% growth.

On the opposite side, 47% of consumers complain about not having a positive chat experience, and it is not due to the answers that the person in charge of informing or attending can provide, but rather to how they write or express them. That can degrade or burden the customer experience by a large percentage. This bad experience can become even more intense if the chat service person in charge does not know NETiquette in terms of attention and service in networks. This experience could become disastrous for not having the ability to assume that we are dealing with a customer who expresses a need, in many cases, loaded with emotions that we cannot see but that must be prevented by responding with the necessary measures. Failure to do so and lack of knowledge can cause significant harm to business growth; however, this issue will be dealt with extensively in another section.

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Writer by Claudia STOHMANN R. de A. Communicator, speaker, writer, etiquette, and protocol expert. 

27 October 2021, Bolivia 

Category: Business Etiquette 

Reference: CS271021BE   

 

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

DEVELOP YOUR PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY SKILLS

ProtocolToday is a capacity development company specialises in connecting values, culture throw soft power en protocol based on understanding of the use of soft and hard power in de public and private sectors around the world taking care of the imago to work in a natural way. ProtocolToday enables organizations, embassies and individuals to meet the needs and expectations at national and international stages in public and private sectors. Our masterclass training programs enable your staff to represent themselves and the organization with excellence and distinction.

All our programs and services are designed to share tailored information and “bridge” gaps.

Our clients are: ambassadors, diplomats, embassy staff, consulates, honorary counsels, government officials, and employees/managers of international organizations, entrepreneurs, directors, managers, public relations staff, protocol officers, board members, consultants and other professionals active in the international domain.

 
PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY

The advancements in modern communication, such as emails and social media, have made protocol and soft diplomacy even more relevant, as these skills are essential in creating differentiation, appeal and making deep impacts on stakeholders. For these differentiations it is important to train the staff through customised programs and enhance their cultural sensory and soft diplomacy skills.

Soft diplomacy moves through a continuum – from a strategy of coercion, to non-confrontational action. It relies on consultation, mediation, negotiation and an acknowledgement of the important role of values, culture and ethics in inter-personal relations.

Therefore, our trainings in protocol and soft diplomacy skills are geared at helping professionals to develop skills in effective cross-cultural communication, tactful social interactions, keen observation and effective public relations.

Our programs include awareness about the sociology and anthropology of people of different regional and cultural groupings, to ensure understanding of empathy, cultural sensitivity, ultimately and creation of delightful interactions.

KEY CHALLENGES
  • Build the right images and perceptions about your nations and its qualities;
  •  Facilitate process for Twinned Cities with Dutch cities;
  • Be instrumental in building business and cultural relations;
  • Organize events that create impact and experience;
  • Be the soft engine (first impressions) connecting stakeholders from your country with Dutch stakeholders.
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Protocol Today
Contact person: Adriana Flores
Telephone: +31 (0) 6 1168 1465
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