Cellular etiquette dwindling, survey says

While the use of mobile phones has grown in popularity over the past few years, the level of courtesy among businesspeople making the calls has dwindled, suggests a recent survey of executives.

The national survey, conducted by an independent research firm and developed by California-based Accountemps, shows 63 percent of respondents said cell phone users are less polite than they were three years ago.

Responses were gathered from 150 executives with 1,000 companies.

Executives also weighed in on the appropriate places to conduct business on mobile phones: 64 percent felt it was OK to talk on the phone while driving, and 58 percent said taking calls while riding public transportation is acceptable. The biggest blunders are accepting a call during a meeting or while dining in a restaurant, according to 94 percent and 91 percent of executives, respectively. Other places considered off-limits include sporting events (72 percent), the golf course (64 percent), and malls and supermarkets (58 percent).

Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps, offers these tips for raising the cell-phone courtesy quotient:

Speak in a low voice. The tendency is to talk more loudly on cell phones, so be mindful of this and avoid being a disruption to others.

Set your cell phone ringer on low or vibrate mode. In some places, such as meetings and conferences, it's best to turn the sound off altogether.

Use your cell phone in private. If you receive an important call, find an out-of-the-way place to have your conversation.

Keep your conversation brief. Tell the caller you'll get back to him or her when you find a more suitable place to talk.

Limit your cell phone use to essential calls. Work-related calls that are not critical can wait until you return to the office.