Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Introduction -- 2. Principles of Saving Face -- 3. Culture and Face Enactment -- 4. Individualism-Collectivism and Saving Face -- 5. Individualism-Collectivism Applied to Direct Versus Indirect Facework -- 6. Masculinity-Femininity Applied to Cooperative and Competitive Facework -- 7. Power Distance, Receiver Facework, Innovation, and Superior-Subordinate Relationships -- 8. Uncertainty Avoidance, Face-Saving, and Organizations -- 9. Long/Short-Term Orientation, Facework, and Organizational Relationships -- 10. Overview and Facework Model Application for the Cross-Cultural Workplace -- Index.

This book explains the subtle maneuvers of what researchers call “facework” and demonstrates the vital role it plays in the success or failure of cross-cultural interactions. Building on Geert Hofstede's seminal research on cultural dimensions, Merkin synthesizes more recent research in business, communication, cross-cultural psychology and sociology to offer a model for better understanding facework. Additionally, Merkin's model shows how particular communication strategies can facilitate more successful cross-cultural interactions. The first book of its kind to focus on the practical aspects of employing face-saving, it is a needed text for academics, students, and business professionals negotiating with organizations from different cultures.