Living and Working in Malaysia
Its difficult for an American to understand the Asian concept of Face because we have no equivalent in our culture. The reason why a clear understanding of FACE is vital for American business people is because we don’t really have an equivalent concept, so it is difficult for us to understand what face even is, much less how to influence our Asian friends, neighbors and associates in positive ways using our knowledge of FACE.
“Faces” are, in fact, interdependent, with individuals enjoying “face” through association (whether within families, work groups or even national groups) with high status persons, gaining face when one group member gains it and losing it the same way. An individual’s loss of face can be the cut that unravels the complicated, carefully woven fabric of social relationships, the guanxi, upon which his success in society depends.
Chinese speak of a person having either a thick or a thin skin on their face, referring to how easily their face is compromised by the actions of people upon whom their face is dependent. A Chinese with a thick skin on their face is not easily affected by minor instances of loss of face; a person with a thin skin on their face is likely to become upset over even small matters.
One good way to think of FACE is to think of the actual face – the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and all of the associated organs which taken together with touch are our entire human connection with the world. Now think of losing one or more of these organs – this would be the same as a severe loss of FACE. Now think of losing all your sense organs – but not losing your life. This would be the same as complete loss of FACE. So, in one sense “Face” is quite literal. To lose Face is to have jeopardized or to lose some or all of the ways one relates to others…
Hi Can you tell us what the effect of the new USA health Bill may be on expats?? I heard the government may require us to buy USA health insurance i.e. mnadatory.