What is the proper way to alphabetize a company named after a person?

Question

Example, H. B. Fuller Company or James Monroe Bank? One of the directories I use alphabatises based as if the company is a person (Fuller, H.B. Company, Monroe, James Bank). Another one alphabatizes based on the first letters of the company name. Which one is correct?

Answer 1

Generally, one should treat the company name as a complete unit, and alphabetise based on the full name. So:

H B Fuller Co
James Monroe Bank
Michael Albert Inc.
etc...

The main exception to alphabetising company names as a complete unit is when it starts with 'The', in which case the 'The' is generally not counted. Also, some directories will expand abbreviations (so 'St James Bank' will be catagorised as 'Saint James Bank') but this is not universal.

Answer 2

Since there is no *universal* standard delineating the rules for alphabetically sequencing company names in lists, there is no single 'proper' way of doing it.

Another question is, which method is the most advisable? To answer this would require addressing many sub-questions, but it need not be addressed here in toto, since you are not I presume *designing* a directory, but rather *using* it.

I have seen a same company listed with multiple entries in the same directory, e.g. 'Dick Smith Electronics' alphabetized under both 'Dick' and 'Smith.' One entry can point the other, or can also specify the full listing information (e.g. address and phone number). This would make for the quickest lookup by users unfamiliar with the exact entry sorting method used (i.e. almost everyone).

Better-designed directories, for instance, some phone books, have an information page which describes the exact alphabetizing method used *in that directory*.

Answer 3

I believe the correct answer is H B Fuller Co., its not a proper name, you can't alphabetize like a person name.Their are strict ways to alphabetize specially if is a business or a Law office.