Do you prefer to be called by your first name, full name, or some suffix/prefix added to your name such as sir/madam/maam/miss/dai/didi or ji at the workplace? Although I do not have data on the use of people's preferred suffix/prefix, what I've noticed is that the practice of the 'sir culture' is widespread. Yes, I said 'sir' because it's so prevalent that although there are women in a group being addressed, the likelihood of only 'sir' being used is still high. Of course, it's not everywhere, and not everyone disregards the presence of women, but I have witnessed this on several occasions. I've made it a point to let the speakers know that there are women members too who don't feel comfortable being overlooked, but the behavioral transformation is hardly seen.
This 'sir culture', I believe, is an outcome of a hierarchical mindset and our traditional thoughts that suggest we need to be too respectful and too humble in front of a boss, especially a male boss. It's a fact that it took a long time for women to deserve and secure senior positions at work and it could be a reason why many stick with the old-fashioned style, as workplaces are still dominated by men.
At schools and colleges in Nepal, it's fine to call your teachers or faculty members sir/miss/madam. Perhaps, through a demonstration effect, people use the same word beyond the educational institutions. But they could simply be called a teacher, just like we call a doctor ‘doctor’ and not 'sir' or 'madam'. Our culture and limited vocabulary to address people higher in authority or their professions could be another reason why people use the word 'sir', so much so that a group comprising men and women also appears as 'sir' to them.
As most people would know, 'sir' is a honorary title given to people who have done something extraordinary, where it is used as a prefix. Sir Elton John for example. But in Nepal and many South Asian cultures, it's used as a suffix: ‘Elton sir’ or ‘Laxman sir’. Unlike other countries, we simply cannot call people by their names, particularly those who are senior to us, both by profession and age.
It can be a problem when in the quest to show respect you're still promoting the stereotype. Although Nepali society is changing, people in senior positions still do not easily welcome challenging thoughts and critiques and find it uncomfortable to engage in constructive discussions. That's why there still are terminologies like 'yes man' or 'yes woman'. I see a direct relation between the 'sir culture' and these 'yes fellas'.
So, how should the new generation show respect for their colleagues without being offensive? Well, I think, just add a 'ji', which would be suitable for both men and women, regardless of their age or authority.
