GAINING AND LOSING FACE IS SERIOUS BUSINESS ….especially if you’re doing business or spending a long time in China.

GAINING AND LOSING FACE IS SERIOUS BUSINESS

 

So don’t treat this concept of mianzi too lightly….especially if you’re doing business or spending a long time in China.

 

Foreigners working in China (who don’t appreciate the full cultural importance of face) often complain that their Chinese counterparts are “too sensitive” about being offended or having their feelings hurt. 

 

Similarly, many ex-pats in China—as well as other Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore—can tell you stories of how their local friend suddenly stopped talking to them (probably because they somehow caused them to lose face).

 

And from the Western perspective, it is true—the Chinese are generally more sensitive to any perceived slights having to do with losing face since it’s so ingrained in their culture.

 

This cultural thin-skin is largely a product of culture that has valued social harmony as the prime rule (and generally avoided criticism).

 

In the West, many of these slights are seen as minor and quickly forgotten. But in China, failing to appreciate face can cause serious problems. While an American businessperson might be respected back home for his frankness and being a “straight-shooter,” he would likely be viewed in China as uncultured, overbearing, and rude.

 

For instance, an American subordinate attending a meeting where his boss is presenting would generally think nothing of raising a question, making an alternate suggestion, or even disagreeing in front of others. In China, this would be a serious face-losing situation for the subordinate, boss, and even the company.

 

In fact, making someone lose face can sometimes insult someone so deeply to create an enemy for life. Indeed, revenge is very much part of the equation—and not just on Chinese soap operas, which include a heavy dose of avenging face-losing situations. I think it’s safe to say that throughout China’s long history, face has started many unnecessary conflicts.

 

In terms of practical travel advice, a loss of face can result in some form of sabotage, non-compliance, or foot-dragging. For instance, let’s say that you’re frustrated by an employee who is processing your visa or permit. You start ranting and raving loudly—demanding to see the manager, etc. Don’t be surprised if your application is “lost” under the bottom of the pile.

 

 SO HOW DO YOU DEFINE IT EXACTLY?

 As a sociological construct, the Chinese concept of face is difficult to define. The famous writer and translator Lin Yutang (1895 –1976) even went so far as to say that “face cannot be translated or defined.” He did however characterized it as “Abstract and intangible, it is yet the most delicate standard by which Chinese social intercourse is regulated.”

The closest translations are along the lines of “pride”, “dignity” or “prestige”. But these don’t tell the whole story.

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