Understanding intercultural facework behaviours

Abstract

Researchers use the expression ‘facework’ to conceptualise interaction behaviour. When people from different cultures interact, they assume that the other party also thinks and behaves in the same way as they do; nevertheless people think and behave according to their own cultural norms and values. It is important to understand these differences to effectively communicate with each other. Researchers use Hofstede's four cultural dimensions and Hall's communication distinction to explain facework. To fully understand intercultural facework behaviour one has to go beyond these dimensions and analyse what other factors may fully explain these differences. This paper suggests that age, gender, spirituality, educational level, social and economic status are among these other factors that fully explain these differences in intercultural facework behaviours.

Keywords:

• international
• business
• culture
• communication
• conflict
• negotiation
• management
• work
• diversity
• organisation