Chapter 27 – Face-Negotiation Theory
Chapter 27
Face-Negotiation Theory
Multiple Choice Questions
1. All of the following are true about Face-Negotiation Theory EXCEPT
2. Negative face is associated with a desire for
3. A person’s interest in maintaining one’s own face or the face of others is called
4. Sometimes in conversation when we say something that embarrasses the other person, we try
to change the subject in order to reduce potential face loss. Such an action that is taken to deal
with the face needs/wants of self and others is called
5. Face is a metaphor developed by Goffman and Ho for examining
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18. A cultural value that places emphasis on an individual over a group is referred to as
19. _____ includes a person’s collective experiences, thoughts, ideas, memories, and plans.
20. The _____ style of managing conflict includes those behaviors that involve using influence,
authority, or expertise to get ideas across or to make decisions.
21. In the _____ style of managing conflict, people will try to stay away from disagreements
and dodge unpleasant exchanges with others.
22. In the obliging strategy of conflict management, interactants try to collaborate with others
to find a solution to a problem in order to satisfy the expectations of all parties.
23. Avoiding and obliging are both active in their attempts to manage conflict.
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24. The Chinese have been found to use compromising as a management style more than other
cultural groups.
25. Negative face refers to a desire to be autonomous and unconstrained.
26. Solidarity facework allows others the freedom to behave according to their own will
without imposing restrictions.
27. When a culture values personal expression, independence, and privacy, the culture is
collectivistic.
28. Individuals in all cultures hold various self-images and continually negotiate these images.
29. Ting-Toomey found that the Chinese use higher degrees of avoidance as a conflict style
than other cultural groups investigated in her research.
30. Politeness theory suggests that a single message can both support and threaten face needs
simultaneously.
Essay Questions
31. Describe the three types of facework identified by Lim and Bowers (1991). Provide an
example of how each could be used.
Answers will vary.
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32. Distinguish between the following concepts: face concern, face need, face-saving, and face
restoration.
Answers will vary.
33. Explain the difference between individualistic and collectivistic cultures. How does this
classification of cultures impact the interpretation of face and face negotiation?
Answers will vary.
34. Think of a recent face-threatening situation in which you were involved. Describe the
situation, applying as many concepts from Face-Negotiation Theory as you can. Explain how
and why these concepts are illustrated in this situation.
Answers will vary.
35. List and explain the three assumptions of Face–Negotiation Theory, making sure to define
related concepts along the way.
Answers will vary.