Written communication has many pros and cons. Because of its rigid nature, written communication forms the basis of legal action. In the current scenario where computer has changed the shelf-space occupied earlier by the hard copies of papers, e-mails have replaced the usual modes of correspondence and have become a much faster way to disseminate information and work. As norms have made the task easier, etiquettes related to e-mail are supposed to be known and practiced by people who are corresponding through these upgraded technological mediums. These norms and rules cannot be generalized due to cultural, language and semantic barriers. Nevertheless, there happen to be some basic rules that one must remember while sending an e-mail. This paper discusses some such important rules to be followed while drafting e-mails.

With globalization and the rise of MNCs, the criteria for transactions and agreements have changed from hard copy to soft copy. However, most of the people, when placed in organizations, are never given the responsibility to communicate with the clients. As it being a very delicate matter, trainees are kept away from this function.

Though initiatives like summer training projects and live training have been introduced in the course curriculum for students to gain experience for working in organizations after their placement, they remain deprived of the basic knowledge of e-mail etiquettes.

This paper focuses on certain key points that a person should remember while employing a written form of communication.

While academic staff (and people generally) do not deliberately penalize students who inflict poor e-mail manners on them, it is a good idea not to get irritated and offend the recipient unless you deliberately intend to do just that.

Though there are no ‘official’ rules governing electronic communication, there have been attempts to establish one standard or the other as a default. There is no common agreement. As a general rule, netiquette involves the same principles of plain old etiquette—basic courtesy, respect and ethics.

The 7Cs of communication—Courtesy, Coherence, Clarity, Completeness, Conciseness, Concreteness, and Correctness—is a much-quoted concept, first provided by Scott M Cutlip and Allen H Center in 1952. Most of the written communication problems can be solved if this concept is applied both in written and verbal communication.

Soft Skills Journal, Glue People, Practical Implications, Organizational Challenges, Temporary Organizations, Matrix Organizations, Multinational Construction Company, Product Development, Production Process, Project Controller, Organizational Goals, Construction Industry.