The Face Negotiation Theory explains how people present themselves differently when dealing with interpersonal conflict based on how they perceive themselves and want others to perceive them. It discusses the "faces" people portray to others and how everyone who interacts with someone has an idea of how they want to be perceived and alters their actions accordingly. The theory is important to understand from communications and sociological standpoints as being aware of it can help people stress less by "being themselves".

1. Shelby Studebaker

2. No, not that kind of face.
You’re on the right track, though.

3. Okay, so what is it?
The Face Negotiation Theory explains how populations of specific
cultures or subcultures respond to conflict. This theory specifically
relates to how people present themselves differently to others when
dealing with interpersonal conflict. These presentations are the “faces”
researched in this theory.

4. Basically, the theory talks about how people
perceive themselves vs. how they want others
to perceive them.
These alternate versions of
ourselves are the “faces” talked
about in the theory

5. Who uses it?
Pretty much anyone who has ever interacted
with another human being.
That means YOU!

6. Even if you don’t realize it, everyone who
interacts with someone else has a set idea of
how they want to be perceived. They then alter
their actions and words to portray this face.

7. Why should I care?
This theory is very important to understand, not only from a
communications standpoint, but a sociological standpoint.
Proper interpersonal communication can ease stress caused
by the need to maintain a specific face.
Basically, if you’re aware of this theory, you may be more
likely to “be yourself” and stress out just a little less.

8. Criticism
The Face Negotiation Theory is intercultural in
nature, and specifies how different cultures operate
individualistically. However, the theory does not
explain the actual behavior exhibited by people in
these cultures.
Additionally, most research of this theory has been
done on the Americas, Japan, and China. Because
cultures are so different from one another, more
research is needed in other cultures to form more
universal ideas about the theory.

9. Anything else?
Yes, actually! While the Face Negotiation Theory
has its roots in communication studies, it has very
close ties with other disciplines, such as:
Sociology
Psychology
Anthropology
Linguistics
…and many more!