What does it mean to save face in China?

What does it mean to save face in China?

In Chinese culture, the concept of ‘face’, AKA mianzi (mi-an-ze), refers to the amount of “dignity” or “prestige” that’s associated with an individual. So, ‘saving face’ means to keep others from losing respect for oneself or to avoid embarrassment.

What is the business etiquette in China?

The official policy in Chinese business etiquette forbids gifts. The gesture is considered bribery, which is illegal in the country. – If you are invited to a business meal, wait to be seated, as there is a seating protocol based on hierarchy. Do not discuss business during the meal.

What does saving face as a cultural value mean?

The phrase to “save face” has been around a long time. It’s been part of English vernacular since the 19th century. The concept is a core social value in Asian cultures, among others. Saving Face signifies a desire—or defines a strategy—to avoid humiliation or embarrassment, to maintain dignity or preserve reputation.

How do you deal with saving face?

Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust

1. Increase your positive influence.
2. Become a more empathetic and self-aware leader.
3. Honor and recognize other’s dignity.
4. Consider different perspectives and become a more inclusive leader.
5. Understand the motivation of others.

What is losing face in Japan?

To disagree with someone in public, thus causing them embarrassment, is to make them “lose face” (mentsu wo ushinau). On the other hand, something that helps to build up a person in front of others can be said to “give face” (kao o tateru).

How do Chinese lose face?

The Chinese concept of “face” (aka 面子 or miànzi) refers to a cultural understanding of respect, honor and social standing. Actions or words that are disrespectful may cause somebody to “lose face” while gifts, awards and other respect-giving actions may “give face”.

What is Chemyeon?

In Confucian cultures, the notion of chemyeon (social face) pervades the social context of interpersonal relationships. Korean people’s awareness of each other’s chemyeon is so strong as to sometimes result in behavior that is contrary to people’s true self and authentic mind.

How important is it to save face?

To save face means simply to maintain one’s dignity. Conversely, to lose face would mean to be humiliated, or lose one’s reputation. Clearly, for these types of people, face-saving during a negotiation because a larger issue. Angry or hostile behavior can result when a negotiator’s self-worth feels threatened.

Is saving face important in Japan?

Generally speaking, it appears that the notion of ‘face’ is regarded as important, and that saving face is regarded as important in Japanese verbal communication. Both positive face and negative face exist in Japanese culture, and university students appear to consider positive face more important than negative face.

What happens if you lose face in China?

One of the worst things that can happen to someone in Chinese culture is to “lose” face. For the Chinese, causing someone to lose face on purpose can make an enemy for life and is at the root of many conflicts. As a foreigner, it will often be assumed and accepted that you do not mean to cause someone to lose face.

What’s the etiquette of Saving Face in Asia?

Always be thinking of how you can help the other party to save face. In many Asian countries, a nervous giggle or laugh can indicate someone is becoming uncomfortable. People will often laugh when risking a loss of face, or even when they’re forced to say “no.”.

What do you need to know about business communication in China?

The good thing is that EHLION’s cultural coaches are always on standby to help you move these key conversations to the next stage. In China business relationships are highly dependent on the concept of face. Losing or gaining face is an important notion in the Chinese culture, so avoid self-deprecation and sarcasm.

How to have a good business relationship in China?

In China business relationships are highly dependent on the concept of face. Losing or gaining face is an important notion in the Chinese culture, so avoid self-deprecation and sarcasm. Aim to display your competence, and even more importantly, keep your emotions under control.

Why is it important to have a face in China?

When it comes to doing business in China, “respect for people’s feelings is paramount — this sensitivity that needs to be taken in respect to people’s ‘face,’ ” Tom Doctoroff of J. Walter Thompson advertising said. “Face — a cliché, but it’s so true — is the currency of advancement,” he said. “It’s like a social bank account.