Společenská etiketa, obchodní a diplomatický protokol

The goal of this Thesis is to uncover, characterize, analyze, describe and define selected contemporary rules of etiquette, international business and diplomatic protocol in international business and diplomatic practice and point out the greatest deficiencies witnessed in practice. The research subject of this Thesis is, thus, the formal aspect of international business and diplomatic cooperation. Its output consists of recommendation on how to correctly apply these rules in practice. I would also like my paper to significantly contribute to the general knowledge of this fascinating and commonly useful knowledge. The structure of the Thesis as it was drawn up in context of its goals consists of three main chapters, introduction and conclusion. The first part of the Thesis deals with Social Etiquette. This part is not conceived as general rules of social intercourse. Instead, it concentrates mainly on the elaboration of contemporary general rules of social intercourse and etiquette to in the context of business and entrepreneurial activities, i.e. Business Protocol. The Thesis would also like to provide answers to the following questions: What is the current standard of social intercourse in the Czech Republic? What are the contemporary rules of social intercourse in the Czech Republic and how do they differ from the etiquette abroad? Can we claim that these rules are being observed? What leads our managers, businessman, diplomats etc. to observing these rules? In my Thesis I strive to evaluate contemporary rules applicable to social, business and diplomatic events as well as in written communication and to draw attention the lack of their knowledge. Another partial goal of the Thesis consists of using carried out analyses, evaluations, inquiries via questionnaires and comparative analyses to point out the differences in the rules of social intercourse, conduct and negotiation in different territories. The working hypothesis of this part of the paper is to indicate on the basis of the above mentioned allegations the relationship between the behaviour and conduct of managers of different provenience and the fact that they have different cultural background. Culture is learned not inherited. It is derived from the social environment not from genes and it must be clearly distinguished from human character and the character of individual people. Significant attention is, therefore, paid to the study of international customs and conventions, especially those of the countries which the representatives of Czech firms, enterprises and institutions most come into contact with. The presented Thesis does not have the ambition to come up with a definitive cookbook as to how to conduct oneself in a given situation within a given territory; it merely strives to point out the pitfalls, misunderstandings and blunders in conduct and barriers in communication and in business or any other professional negotiations. Unlike legal acts the rules of Etiquette are not binding. Laws apply to all and the state prosecutes their infringement. Unlike laws, the rules of Etiquette are not enforceable. Their only form of enforcement is the social pressure which the society effectuates on the individual. Thus, the standards of social conduct only apply to those willing to abide by them. The presented paper is an aggregate of the rules and its author's views. Another author's standpoint may differ. The second part of the Thesis concentrates on the sphere of Diplomatic Protocol in international business and diplomatic practice. The presented paper aims at describing the existing system of Foreign Service and diplomatic activities, presenting the diplomatic representations, consulates, missions and other representatives abroad, their functioning as well as their immunities and privileges. Diplomatic Protocol concerns the formal, not the material, content of international relations. Formal rules of social conduct in intercourse with diplomatic representatives of other countries, the etiquette and the ceremonies applied to the intercourse with these representatives form an integral part of the Diplomatic Protocol. In the initial part I define the very term Diplomatic Protocol and I strive to specify is subject. Successively I address individual respective parts of Diplomatic Protocol and diplomatic practice, such as the methods of establishing diplomatic relationships, the roles of diplomatic missions, ranks of diplomatic representatives and their immunities and privileges, the procedure related to the conferment of agrément and the termination of activity of the head of a diplomatic mission, official visits of foreign guests, organisation of international conferences, diplomatic correspondence, consular activities etc. In the course of its elaboration the presented Thesis should also offer answers to the following questions: What is the current international form, role and significance of the Diplomatic Protocol? What leads states to observing signed conventions? Which diplomatic immunities and privileges are at the moment among the most abused or violated? For the accomplishment of the goals set out in this Thesis I shall strive to outline the scale of theoretic approaches and based on the effective layout and international practice express my own conclusions. Among others, the paper also aims at promoting the development of skills of the current diplomat and acquainting them with the norms of diplomatic correspondence. The aforementioned part of the Thesis also sets out another rather easily attained objective: due to the inexistence of comprehensive publications on this topic to become a handbook and reference manual not only for the young adepts of this profession but for all who for some reason take interest in Diplomacy. It was an ambition of the author to assemble and explain terms, which those interested in the practical aspects of Foreign Service, may be confronted with. The paper reflects current diplomatic practice and takes into account Czech circumstances. The author is endeavouring to mediate the information and knowledge she gained through years of practice at representative offices abroad gained during her practical experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and through more than 20 years of practice in academic research and instruction of this area.