The courtesy and amount of common sense manners shown in a social setting usually reflects how that individual will treat others in a business setting. Many recruiting companies want to see their future prospects in a social environment. Several of the top consulting and investment banking firms host mixers or dinner parties to evaluate the polish, savvy or social correctness of a potential candidate. These gatherings allow the company to see how a candidate might interact with their clients or peers. They want to ensure you're capable before they hire you to represent their company.
Business schools teach core competencies such as balance sheet analysis, or product market share.
On the other hand, career services focus on polish and savvy. Whether we use case studies, simulations, mock interviews or etiquette dinners, the focus is providing students with opportunities to practice and hone before they are tested as a professional. Etiquette dinners provide direct instruction and guidance in the expectations and rules of fine dining. A school sponsored etiquette dinner provides a safe environment to learn and make mistakes. For instance, if you use the wrong bread plate, it annoys the student on your right.