1. Chapter 2, Face: The Three-tiered Chinese Version of Honor Section 1: Customs and Traditions The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 2 Face 1

2. Outline Introduction: Face is the Chinese version of honor Face as three-tiered honor Road ahead The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 2 Face 2

3. Introduction Face is a concept closer to honor than vanity. E.g., Klingon in Star Track Klingons cherish honor so much that they are willing to die in order to preserve it. Face in China were often given negative connotations, as a superficial reflection of vanity. Face will always be part of the Chinese culture. The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 2 Face 3

4. Face as three-tiered honor Dignity Respectability Superiority The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 2 Face 4

5. Dignity Though People have different definitions of dignity. It is interpreted as the baseline one want to achieve in honor, to preserve self-respect. Losing face may lead to strong reactions from a person to compensate for lost honor. E.g. Bo Xilai and Wang Lijun The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 2 Face 5

6. Respectability One does things that others consider proper or expected based on his or her social and family status. It is socially defined. E.g. a business owner will not allow others to pick up the dinner tab The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 2 Face 6

7. Superiority Superiority is the honor surpass the social norms When this type of honor is achieved, a person is perceived as being better than his peers. (especially demonstrating more influence and power.) E.g. getting an important person to attend the dinner The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 2 Face 7

8. Characteristics of the Face Across all three tiers, 1.Different people have different definitions of face (honor) that either conform to social conventions or are personal and nonobvious. – It is important to understand another person’s definition of honor. 2.The boundary between honor and dishonor should be carefully observed, as well as the grey area in between. 3.Like Klingons, honor (face) is a very important goal (and asset) that Chinese people pursue. The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 2 Face 8

9. Achieving face for self This is associated with the respectability tier. Face is in close relationship with products and services that are deemed appropriate and necessary. Implication: 1.People end up spending beyond their means to save face. ( “Keeping up with Joneses” mentality) E.g., conspicuous consumption of luxury products 2.Leading to financial problems and personal disasters. E.g., undergraduates defaulted on debts for smartphones. E.g., suicide for betrothal gifts The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 2 Face 9

10. Help others achieve face & do no harm “Courtesy demands reciprocity”. Face can be exchanged like goods. Two simple actions: 1.Paying compliments in front of others 2.Never denying a request made in front of others The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 2 Face 10

11. Help others achieve face & do no harm At minimum, do no harm to others. E.g., A Chinese manager resigned because his American boss blamed him publically. (Vorhauser-Smith, Sylvia (2012, May 29), “When your Chinese employees lose face, you lose them,” Forbe)When your Chinese employees lose face, you lose them, E.g., giving face within couples matters quite a lot in Chinese families. The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 2 Face 11

12. Road ahead This social phenomenon will continue to be an integral part of the culture for the foreseeable future. However, two shifts are on the horizon. First, perceptions of the role of face will evolve from a form of vanity and ego to a guiding principle of proper behavior in China. Second, the definition of face may evolve in various contexts and for various people. The Chinese Way, Ding and Xu, 2014 Chapter 2 Face 12