Gender Issues
In business situations, there should be no gender differences: the same etiquette and protocol apply to both men and women in the business environment. Period.
In business, it is the person's role that determines deference:
- A host defers to a guest
- A vendor defers to his customer
- A subordinate defers to his superior
This is also an order of precedence: if a vendor visits your site, you are the host (and should treat them as a guest) - on their premises or on neutral ground, they would defer to you.
For door etiquette, follow the protocols above. Avoid the "after you, after you" scene - if someone is unaware of protocol and insists you precede them, simply do so.
For greetings, shake hands. In some countries, embracing and kissing is considered correct behavior - but this is not so in North America, though people who consider themselves to be good friends may sometimes hug. Even in those instances, it should be private (upon greeting, not in a meeting room) and brief.
Should someone attempt to offer you an embrace, accept it (rather than embarrassing them by refusing). It is generally a sign of trust and familiarity. If you feel someone is invading your space, be discreet in informing them of your desire for greater distance so as to embarrass or offend them as little as possible.
In seating, the host is always seated first in business (socially, it is gender-based), and the guest of honor, seated at the host's right. If a woman enters or leaves, do not rise (unless the host does).
In restaurants, the guest of honor (seated at the host's right) orders first and the ordering moves clockwise, finishing with the host.