Is the Word "Sir" Holding Back Workplace Equality and Progress? Let's Discuss!

Hi friends,

I would like to share that I came across an article recently.

Peep into the offices of most organizations in different countries around the world, and you will notice a similar scene: the boss sitting in his well-cushioned wheelchair like a superhuman in an expansive manner, and the subordinate sitting in front of him across the table, belittling himself as much as possible. The subordinate bends low, squeezes his limbs, tries to occupy as little area on the chair as possible, and addresses the boss after every other word of his dialogue, "Sir, yes sir, very good sir, you are right sir, yes sir, and yes sir..."

Most people are so accustomed to this master-slave relationship that a person at the lower rungs of the official hierarchy is always treated as a dumb donkey. This feeling is further aggravated by the three-letter word "sir." When spoken, this word immediately creates a sense of false inferiority in the speaker and false superiority in the recipient. This phenomenon surrounds the actual work, intended results, and real objectives of discussions with the ego satisfaction of the boss and the selfish motives of the subordinates.

Many bosses feel offended if they are called "Mr. so and so"; they always expect to be called "sir." On the other hand, subordinates develop an unnecessary guilt feeling if they do not address their bosses with a "sir." In most cases, it is not out of respect that one uses a dignified address; it is out of selfishness, fear, doubt, and bad custom. The word "sir" arouses base feelings in human beings.

There are three situations where you will find the "sir" culture:
1. The boss wants to be addressed as "sir" (desiring sycophants).
2. Subordinates habitually call their boss "sir" for various reasons (even when the boss is open-minded).
3. Both boss and subordinate are accustomed to it.

It is surprising that not many human behavior experts have identified calling each other "sir" as a major stumbling block in the development and progress of human society worldwide. In some organizations, they encourage addressing by first names or surnames, reflecting a lack of master-slave dynamic. However, it is doubtful if a subordinate, whether at a junior or senior level, would be accepted addressing a CEO, Chairman, President, or Prime Minister by their first name or as "Mr. so and so."

If "sir" is used as a mark of reverence, it has a different connotation with no attached motives.

It is time for every organization worldwide to scrap this kind of address and promote a healthy man-to-man relationship. This change should start from homes, schools, and colleges. Teachers and professors should take pride in being called by their names by their students. Mere usage of the word "sir" does not instill discipline. It's time to reconsider our values on "what is discipline."

Regards,
Vijay, Chennai

Dear Mr. Vijay,

Thanks for posting this information. I would like to point out the factors that I consider in relation to the above-mentioned post, whether it is true or false. For example, in our company, we don't have any specific rule for addressing seniors, although we often refer to them as Sir or Boss. However, the excessive use of "Sir" may dilute its intended purpose of showing respect. In Punjab, employees commonly use the word "Hanji" in their communication, but this does not imply a lack of respect towards seniors.

Additionally, I believe the perception of "Sir" varies from individual to individual. I have allowed my team members to address me by name, a practice not limited to our India office but followed in all Google offices worldwide. I assume similar practices exist in companies like IBM, Microsoft, and others.

The term "Sir" is also prevalent in some government sectors, such as when a Traffic Police officer requests documents from me, I instinctively address them as "Sir," regardless of their rank. At the Pune airport, people often refer to their seniors as "Babaji" or "Shaabji."

Thank you.

Dear Mr. Vijay,

It is very interesting to read your views on the word 'Sir' and how it is used to address people including superiors in offices. While your efforts in penning down such an interesting description are appreciable, the third reason, which you have correctly mentioned, is more a reason than the other two. But this is not indiscipline or absurd, disturbing, indecent, odd, or any such thing. What is wrong in it? If it has become so much a practice and is respected as a usage, why should anyone think of changing the usage? Is there any better term to replace 'Sir'?

As long as it doesn't hurt the sentiments, emotions, work relationships, and work, there is no need to think of a change for this term.

Rgds,
Dr. Kishore

Yeah, I too agree with you, Dr. Kishore.

In India, in most places, we use the word "Sir" as a form of respect. In our office, I have noticed that superiors are addressed as "Sir," and this is the only word used to show respect; no other word can replace it. If you observe closely, individuals with more ego tend to address others by their names to assert equality. However, I would appreciate it if the Indian culture shifted towards addressing colleagues by their names, preferably with "Mr." or "Mrs."

Regards,
Jeni

Hi Pals,

Let me do some copycat from Wiki (Sir - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). "Sir" is an honorific used as a title (see Knight) and in several other modern contexts. It was once used (without the person's name) as a courtesy title among equals, but in common usage, it is now usually reserved for one of superior rank or status, such as an educator or commanding officer, or in age (especially by a minor); as a form of address from a merchant to a customer; in formal correspondence ("Dear Sir," "Right Reverend Sir"); or to a stranger ("Sir, you've dropped your hat").

"Sir," on its own, is sometimes used by schoolchildren to address a male teacher. It is common in British tabloid newspaper slang as a shorthand for 'schoolteacher': "Sir's sex shame." Usage of "sir" commonly appears in schools in portions of the Southern United States.

"What an idea sir-ji."

:-) Mike

Hello,

The word "SIR" was "gifted" to Indians by the British, and we still have the same old habit of using that to address elders, seniors, or even strangers. Well, I have worked in a leading pharmaceutical company, and my CMD preferred to be called by his first name rather than "SIR."

It is an accepted practice across this country to use that term, and "Mr" can be comfortably used in place of it. With the conservative elders spending most time reading newspapers, watching television programs, or doing serious babysitting, this is the right time for the young generation to bring in a major change in this country! (In fact, I am also almost very close to that age bracket now!!!!!)

More comments are welcome on this topic.

Vijay has made a very valid point. Though India is supposed to be a country with a spiritual legacy, the word "Sir" goes to the heads of some people and could turn them into egoists/egotists, which is against the very essence of spirituality. At a functional level, it causes a lot of bad blood unnecessarily and severe interpersonal conflict.

There should be an understanding that there is no need to address anyone as "Sir." It should then be left to the individuals concerned; nothing wrong if some people use the word out of genuine respect and some people will behave like bullies whether they are addressed as "Sir" or not.

It's absolutely okay to be called 'Sir' (for males) or 'Ma'am/Madam' (for females). We are all used to it. I also think that if it is not affecting the sentiments or relationships, there is no harm in addressing with 'Sir' or 'Ma'am'. It is only the attitude that becomes the stumbling block. There are few seniors who are friendly and good teachers to their subordinates (or rather team members).

It is certainly a no-no for school students to call their teachers by their first names. Arre baba, thoda respect hona chahiye.

Thanks

Dear All,

Thank you for the thoughtful effort and valuable information. I appreciate the positive atmosphere within the organization as it fosters self-respect and enables us to achieve targets without hindrance. Speaking about the relationship between a teacher and a student, it can be quite challenging to address a spiritual leader or teacher by name. If we do so, I struggle to understand the level of respect that exists. In modern society, teachers are already losing respect, and if the term "SIR" were to be eliminated, there would be no clear way to show respect to our teachers or spiritual leaders. The word "SIR" is not just a simple term; it signifies respect and regard. In our society, showing regard to others has a significant impact. Therefore, if teachers are not addressed with "SIR," I believe it would be a major setback to education. Education is the backbone of every society. I look forward to your valuable feedback.

Best Regards,

Syed Muhammad Alam
Executive HR
AHEC, Oman
+9685-92005401
E-mail: leoalam@yahoo.com

Hello,

There is no need to say no to this "Sir" culture. Respect is not in the word "sir," it is in your speech. It's not like you cannot insult a person by saying SIR, and similarly, you can make a person feel their importance without calling them SIR or MADAM.

Why does a school child have to call their teacher sir or madam? There are other words to address them, like teacher, professor, and if you consider Western culture, then Mr./Miss XXXX. Do you think that those white people don't respect their teachers and bosses?

Regards,

Hi


By calling ‘sir', someone will really become great or deserving to be renowned? ‘Sir' is a good word to be addressed seniors, no doubt. By calling that word, if someone feels that he is high flying, then it is his thoughtlessness. What else?

In short, the word ‘sir' shouldn't be eliminated; should exist in addressing elders, teachers, adjudicators etc. And, I do believe that one shouldn't be ashamed of addressing someone with ‘sir' and of course I am sure that by being addressed ‘sir' an educated / experienced one will NOT act as a prominent or high flying.

Anyhow, these – SIR haters – in case being stopped by a cop then please consider call him SIR even though they hate the word SIR. It might help them to certain extend.


Zubaida M. Kurikkal
Sr. HR officer

Hellenic Association of Pharmaceuticals - SFEE

280 Kifisias Avenue & 3 Agriniou st, 152 32, Chalandri, Athens, Greece

Hi,

I don't think there is anything wrong in addressing one's teachers or seniors as "Sir." The word itself shows respect. What is wrong if we respect teachers or seniors? We have to respect our teachers because we learn a lot from them. We have to respect our seniors because they have more experience than us. It is simply a way of showing that we are disciplined just by addressing a stranger with the word "Sir." If you find a better word than "Sir" to show our respect and that we are disciplined, and if it is genuine, then it is okay.

Sai Ram

Greetings all,

Here is a story from when I was in university that relates to the topic; I worked as a mechanic while going to university because it paid three times the amount of most jobs available to students. I quickly moved into management because of my attendance at the university. I was a second assistant service manager, at the entry level.

One day, one of my mechanics was rounding up the other workers to push a car in the garage that had a dead battery. Our parts store section sold a portable car starter. I signed one out for "shop use."

The next day, the service manager (a control freak) asked me why I did this without consulting him first.

My response was that since the company gave me a white shirt (management) that I can make decisions on my own. This was also not a "serious decision" where I would give him the courtesy of my decision; I felt that I was qualified to make that decision, and it was his day off, and I was not going to disturb him!

Finally, my decision made financial sense. Every time we have a car with a dead battery, the mechanic working on it calls five other mechanics off their job to push the car in. Five additional mechanics taking five minutes to push a car in adds up to almost a half hour (25 minutes) of wasted time that now a single person can do with the unit I signed out.

I also explained to the mechanics that I was signing this out for their benefit, and it is their responsibility to ensure no one steals it because there would not be another.

No one ever took it; they all used it, and that, along with other things I implemented, increased our productivity.

The moral of the story, you may be the boss, but we are all people. Each person has some value to the organization.

consult1

Hi,

Yes, I completely agree with Dr. Kishore. I have noticed that in a crowded bus, a conductor who was very arrogant towards the passengers (as felt by passengers) changes his attitude with respect when called "Sir." So, I don't find any wrong in using "Sir."

I agree with Padmanabhan's views. 'Sir' is added more as a practice - a mere convention. However, in certain industries, e.g. manufacturing, you may be penalized indirectly if you do not address your boss as 'Sir'. On the other hand, in the IT sector, there has been a welcome change - the first-name culture has almost come to stay.

Having mentioned that, I should add that I have also come across seniors in the IT/ITES getting embarrassed when a fresher addresses him/her by first name. Of course, the trend is changing fast for the better by cutting down 'Sir' in many cases; we still have a long way to go in accepting and not expecting 'Sir' culture.

Hi,

I have read all the matters mentioned above. I am the HR of a company. Previously, we used to address our superiors and seniors as "sir" and "madam," but now, I have issued a circular and removed that system. We address our seniors, superiors, and boss by their names only.

In my opinion, it creates a difference whether you address someone by name or as sir/madam. I believe respect should be shown, but addressing by name also matters.

Hi,

All,

The three-letter word "Sir" doesn't matter. If you are addressing your senior as "sir" and don't have respect for him, then there is no use in using that title.