The Business of Civility - Delta Business Journal

October 6, 2026 Malcolm Knoll Business

The Business of Civility — Delta Business Journal

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October 5, 2026

Jack Criss

The Business of Civility

In an ever-coarsening world where even hosts on the bastion of conservative media, Fox News, are now using profanity on a regular basis, there is still one place where civility is demanded—and usually delivered. And that place is the business community.

Whether you’re ordering a meal at McDonald’s or interviewing the wealthy CEO of Mississippi’s largest company, the communication is usually one of being well mannered, polite, and respectful. By its very nature of human give-and-take, business demands such qualities. You don’t have to necessarily smile or be pleasant; but you are civil and decent. If most people didn’t act as such, day-to-day activity would collapse—and it hasn’t.

Talking heads only see the cameras and the monitors. They can curse or be as obnoxious as they want, and are probably egged on to do so. I can’t imagine what Scott would say if I called a potential advertiser or interview subject and was obnoxious and used foul language. My...rear end...would be sternly warned, if not thrown out entirely.

It’s for this reason—among the many other values of free market capitalism—that business looks to be the last glue keeping our fraying, fractured culture together these days. Whatever race, creed, religion or political affiliation you happen to hold, if you want to make a successful transaction, you have to act somewhat dignified and decent. Whereas socialism demands, capitalism persuades.

And to persuade? Well, you better be nice to who you’re interacting with. If you act like a fool or are otherwise intolerable and offensive, you will probably lose the sale—or get the service you deserve—whatever the case. Respect goes a long way and is usually always reciprocated. That is nowhere more evident than in the world of business, from buying a pair of shoes to landing a multi-million dollar contract.

Thank you for reading my column. And have a great day!

See what I mean?