Final answer:
A handshake is considered functional-professional touch, which is true. Cultural norms and recent global health concerns have influenced professional greetings and personal space. Respect for individual and cultural preferences in physical interactions is important.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a polite handshake between colleagues would be defined as functional-professional touch is True. The purpose of a handshake in a professional setting is typically to convey mutual respect, acknowledgment, or to finalize an agreement. However, the cultural context and recent developments like COVID-19 have influenced how and when handshakes are exchanged. In some cultures, certain forms of physical closeness, which could include shaking hands, are more acceptable than in others.
It is crucial to recognize the varying comfort levels individuals may have with personal space and touching due to cultural backgrounds or personal preferences. Additionally, since 2020, the rise of social distancing practices has led to alternatives to handshakes becoming more common out of respect for health concerns. Simple gestures such as a small wave, coupled with eye contact and a smile, have emerged as appropriate substitutes in some professional environments.