Face Negotiation Theory

Public presentation of self and others. Face as metaphor
respect, face threat, conflict

1. Face Negotiation Theory Communication Studies Department SJSU Dr. Marquita L. Byrd

2. Stella Ting-Toomey Professor of Human Communication Studies at California State University, Fullerton. Her research interests focus on fine-tuning the conflict face-negotiation theory and testing the impact of situational and ethnic identity factors on conflict styles. She believes that face "entails the presentation of a civilized front to another individual." Socially approved self-image and other-image consideration issues"

3. Theory at a Glance Face-Negotiation is based on face management, which describes how people from different cultures manage conflict negotiation to maintain face. Self-face and other-face concerns explain the conflict negotiation between people from various cultures. Face is clearly an important feature of life, a metaphor for self-image that pervades all aspects of social life. Face concern is the interest in maintaining one's face or the face of others. Positive face the desire to be liked and admired by others. Negative face is the desire to be autonomous and free from others.

4. Assumptions of Face-Negotiation Theory Self-identity is important in interpersonal interactions, with individuals negotiating their identities differently across cultures. The management of conflicts is mediated by face and culture. Certain acts threaten one's projected self-image (face).

5. Face-Threatening Acts (FTAs) Face-Saving (preventing or stopping embarrassment or predicament) Face-Restoration (offering excuse for embarrassment or predicament) Face-Maintenance Framework

6. Individualistic and Collectivistic Cultures Individualism: individual over the group Collectivism: group over the individual

7. Face and Politeness Theory Face threat: something that is said or done that may reduce someone's self image or self presented to the public Positive face and negative face liked and admired autonomous and free(face needs) and face wants Face work: what is said or done to take care of the face of each other Respect for your face and mine Face maintenance Politeness Appropriate behaviors to establish and maintain harmony in relationships Face breaking: total disrespect making self or the other lose respect damaging self that is presented to the public

8. Conflict Styles Avoiding : staying away from disagreements Obliging : satisfying the needs of others Compromising : using give-&-take achieve middle road resolution Dominating : using influence or authority to make decisions Integrating : collaborating with other to find solution

9. Logical Consistency & Heurism Face-Negotiation Theory is important to study when culture pervades all aspects of life and the global village is becoming smaller, the theory will have a lasting appeal. FNT rests on the differing experiences and perceptions of individualistic and collectivist cultures.