Facework and Face Negotiation Theory

Abstract The conflict face negotiation theory (FNT) explains the culture‐based, individual‐based, and situational‐based factors that shape communicators' tendencies in managing problematic face‐sensitive situations. The researching of face and facework can be found in a wide range of disciplines such as anthropology, psychology, sociology, linguistics/ESL, business management, international diplomacy, conflict mediation, and human communication studies, among others. The goal of the FNT theory is to provide a culture‐sensitive lens in explaining some of the key constructs in cross‐cultural comparative conflict situations. While the structure of FNT is expressed via the functional paradigm language, the theorist is open to any researchers who are interested in testing FNT via pluralistic methodologies—from critical advocacy methods, to the qualitative and quantitative research methods. FNT is a pragmatic theory that focuses on the question or problem being addressed and viewing the diverse methods as different yet mutually compatible conduits in investigating the multifarious nature of face .