Concept of Face
面子, the
concept of ‘face’ starts with understanding what’s important in a ‘good name’,
a good reputation, why is it important to save one’s face, not to lose face
(Diū liǎn), not to be humiliated, not to lose one’s credit. Do you know what
exactly is ‘loss of face’? How do you handle when you’re dealing with a Chinese
individual, a Chinese organization?
The concept of Face permeates the Chinese psyche as it drives
most of all Chinese behavior. It influences all levels of the society and of business.
Relationships matter to Chinese people. Family then
followed by social. Bear in mind that there is no quick way to build a relationship.
Time. Take your time to build it from meetings, to tours, to banquets, to
drinks, to more drinks. Then negotiations, deal making. You need to invest time
and money and energy to know your counterparts before you deal. Besides having
a good translator who knows your industry, your product and familiar with what
services you provide, this person also has recommendations and has studied
abroad.
Unlike the western ‘pride’, face is more of a public
opinion-oriented concept. It largely is dependent on the acknowledgement of
another or others, and the respect. In summary, ‘What others believe about me’.
A thinking exercise to help you understand further: Consider
what people believe about you. It is different from what you know about
yourself.
Gaining face is when a Chinese individual is held in esteem by ‘the
group’ around him. To show dissatisfaction publicly or acting with lack of respect toward a person will
cause that someone to lose face. The resultant effects on the people involved
can be devastating. The roots of ‘face’ are deeply engrained in the Chinese
culture and it goes back thousands of years, citing Confucius:
“Being thus known to others by their observable conduct, the
elite were dependent upon the opinion and moral judgment of the collectivity
around them. To be disesteemed by the group meant a disastrous loss of face and
self-esteem, for which one remedy was suicide".
Giving face is what
you can do.
If so, how 'to give face' to someone?What not to do?What's the taboo?
Causing a loss of face.
Doing business with the Chinese, a saying: it's sometimes better to
bend like grass in wind rather than resist like a branch and snap".
Course Title: Understanding "面子" (Miànzi): Exploring Honor and Face in Global Contexts
Course Duration: 8 Weeks
Week 1: Introduction to 面子 (Miànzi)
- Definition and Origins
- Importance in Chinese Culture and Daily Interactions
- Comparative Introduction: How "Face" Manifests Globally
**Week 2: Mediterranean Cultures: Honor and Familial Ties**
- Overview of Spanish, Italian, and Greek Notions of Honor
- Familial Reputation and the Concept of 'Machismo'
- Case Studies: Social Interactions and Repercussions of Honor Violations
**Week 3: Slavic Expressions of Respect and Influence**
- Introduction to "авторитет" (Avtoritet) and its Significance
- Navigating Respect in Russian, Polish, and Ukrainian Cultures
- Interactive Workshop: Role-playing Typical Social Scenarios in Slavic Cultures
**Week 4: Nordic Balance: Modesty, Egalitarianism, and Lagom**
- The Essence of Nordic Honor: Individual vs. Collective
- Understanding "Lagom" in Swedish Society and its Implications
- Activity: Comparing and Contrasting Nordic and Chinese Perspectives
**Week 5: British Decorum: The Stiff Upper Lip and Understatement**
- Historical Origins of British Decorum and Public Persona
- Indirectness, Understatement, and Avoiding Embarrassment
- Group Discussion: Analyzing British Literature and Film for "Face" Dynamics
**Week 6: Deep Dive into 面子 (Miànzi) in Chinese Society**
- The Layers and Nuances of Miànzi
- Societal and Familial Impacts
- Case Study Analysis: Real-world Scenarios from Chinese Literature and Cinema
**Week 7: Comparative Analysis and Global Business Implications**
- Navigating Honor and Face in International Business Settings
- Potential Pitfalls and Best Practices
- Guest Lecture: International Business Experts Share Experiences
**Week 8: Final Project and Reflections**
- Students Develop a Presentation on "Face" in a Chosen Culture
- Group Discussions: Synthesizing Learnings and Insights
- Reflection: Personal Experiences and Future Applications of Understanding "Face"
Course Assessment:
- Weekly Quizzes: Test understanding of each week's content.
- Interactive Workshops: Participation and engagement.
- Final Project: A deep dive into a chosen culture's notion of "face" with a comparative analysis to 面子 (Miànzi).
Supplementary Materials:
- Recommended readings from global literature highlighting "face" and honor.
- Film list for cultural context and deeper understanding.
- Interactive online modules for practical applications.
By the end of this course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the concept of "面子" and its global counterparts, equipping them with valuable cultural insights and skills.
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