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'Face' in the Chinese Culture


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.




Following are some news and articles for leaders in business:

When Your Chinese Employees Lose Face, You Lose Them

Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/sylviavorhausersmith/2012/05/29/when-your-chinese-employees-lose-face-you-lose-them-2/

Zannnie

NihaoHello is designed to meet the increasing demand for Mandarin Chinese language learning among the younger generation. We specialize in providing homeschooling and tutoring services specifically for English speakers, focusing on teaching essential yet practical Mandarin Chinese skills. Our program is geared towards beginner learners and is designed to provide immediate practical usage as soon as the global economy improves.