Lecture on Face Negotiation Theory and Cultural Identity

Introduction to Face Negotiation Theory

• Speaker: Stella Ting-Toomey, California State University, Fullerton
• Topic: Face Negotiation Theory
• Definition of Face:
  • Communication respect issue
  • Claimed sense of social self-worth
  • Related to communication identity and respect

Cultural Perspectives on Face

• Private vs Public:
  • Both elements exist
  • Collectivistic Cultures: (e.g., Japan, China)
    • Distance between public and private self
  • Individualistic Cultures: (e.g., U.S., Australia)
    • Closer correspondence between public and private self

Individualistic vs Collectivistic Cultures

• Individualistic Cultures
  • "I" identity is emphasized
  • Personal initiative and achievement
  • Examples: U.S., Australia, Northern European cultures
• Collectivistic Cultures
  • "We" identity, teamwork, and group harmony
  • Consideration of others' face
  • Examples: Asian cultures (Japan, China, Korea), Latin-American, African cultures
• Statistics:
  • 70% of cultures have collectivistic values
  • 30% of cultures have individualistic values

Face Work in Different Cultures

• Collectivistic Approach:
  • Self-effacing statements
  • Example: Apologizing for a presentation not holding attention
• Individualistic Approach:
  • Direct criticism
  • Example: Blaming the audience for not being prepared

Concept of Self-Construal

• Definition:
  • Construction of sense of self
  • Independent vs Interdependent
• Independent Self:
  • Focus on personal initiative, accountability, and achievement
• Interdependent Self:
  • Focus on relational harmony and cooperation

Self-Construal and Cultural Identity

• Possibility to have an interdependent self-construal in an individualistic culture
• Individual personality can deviate from cultural norms

Research Findings

• Self-Construal as Predictor of Conflict Style
  • Better predictor than culture
  • Culture is dynamic, not static
• Implications:
  • Broad cultural labels cannot fully capture diversity
  • Individual-level variations exist within cultures

Conclusion

• Cultural and personal identity is complex, with many variations and exceptions.
• Importance of understanding both individual and cultural factors in communication and identity.