Face-Negotiation Theory - Communication Theory

passive aggressive

Making indirect accusations, showing resentment, procrastination, and other behaviors aimed at thwarting another's resolution of conflict. Shows moderate other-face concern and high self-face concern. Individualistic.

emotional expression

Managing conflict by disclosure or venting of feelings. Shows low other-face concern and high self-face concern. Individualistic.

avoiding

Responding to conflict by withdrawing from open discussion. Shows high other-face concern and low self-face concern. Collectivistic.

interdependent self-image

A person with this type of self-image will value sacrificing his/her own interests to benefit their relationship and being sensitive to the other person's wishes.

independent self-image

A person with this type of self-image will value the ability to act freely and not depend on others.

third-party help

A method of conflict management in which disputing parties seek that aid of a mediator, arbitrator, or respected neutral party to help them resolve their differences. Collectivistic.

obliging

Accommodating or giving in to the wishes of another in a conflict situation. Shows high other-face concern and low self-face concern. Collectivistic.

dominating

Competing to win when people's interests conflict. Shows low other-face concern and high self-face concern. Individualistic.

self-face

Concern for how I look as an individual.

other-face

Concern for how another person looks.

mutual face

Concern for how we look as a group.

compromising

Conflict management by negotiating or bargaining; seeking a middle way. Shows moderate other-face concern and moderate self-face concern. Collectivistic.

low power distance

People from a culture with this cultural dimension will typically respond to face threats with aggression.

high power distance

People from a culture with this cultural dimension will typically respond to face threats with avoidance.

integrating

Proglem solving through open discussion; collaborating for a win-win resolution of conflict. Shows high other-face concern and high self-face concern. Collectivistic.

mindfulness

Recognizing that things are not always what they seem, and therefore seeking multiple perspectives in conflict situations.

face concern

Regard for self-face, other-face, or mutual face.

facework

Specific verbal and nonverbal messages that help to maintain and restore face loos, and to uphold and honor face gain.

face

The projected image of one's self in a relational situation. Is tied in with the questions, "Does this make who I am look good, or look bad?"

self, goals, and duty

The three important differences between how members of individualistic and collectivistic cultures perceive things.

power distance

The way a culture deals with status differences and social hierarchies; the degree to which low-power members accept unequal power as natural. Affects the facework strategies that will be used.

knowledge

This is the most important dimension of facework that will help you manage face competently.

self-construal

Where a person fits the general individualistic or collectivistic trends of his/her culture. They can fit really well, or they can be radically different.

interaction skill

Your ability to communicate appropriately, effectively, and adaptively in a given situation.