Understanding mianzi and gei mianzi, essential for doing business in China
Understanding concepts like mianzi and gei mianzi is essential for doing business in China successfully. If you work with companies from this country, as we do, then you already know how important it is to know their customs and other cultural aspects that influence their social relationships, as well as business communication. Mianzi, which literally translates to “face”, is defined as the level of reputation that a person has socially. It is prestige, the respect that others have for them socially, and it is something that can be gained and lost. For Chinese society, a person who is not respected is a person without power, and, in some cases, even a person without dignity. For example, being cautious in conversation whenever other people are present will help you maintain your mianzi. Consequently, maintaining and not “losing mianzi” through your behavior in interactions with your Chinese business partners will help you [...]