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Saving Face in Business pp 119–136Cite as

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Individualism-Collectivism Applied to Direct Versus Indirect Facework

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Abstract

This chapter discusses how individualism is associated with direct communication while collectivism is associated with indirect communication. Examples are provided to explain how this primary point of conflict needs to be addressed. The idea that individualism is associated with a task orientation is also contrasted with how collectivistic cultural members are more relationship orientated. This fundamental difference is also presented together with examples such as the classic misunderstanding of signing a contract right away as opposed to vacationing first. Finally, the issue of how collectivistic millennials are somewhat different in their collectivistic outlook is also discussed.

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  1. Baruch College, CUNY, New York, NY, USA

    Rebecca S. Merkin

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  1. Rebecca S. Merkin
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Correspondence to Rebecca S. Merkin .

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Merkin, R.S. (2018). Individualism-Collectivism Applied to Direct Versus Indirect Facework. In: Saving Face in Business. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59174-6_5

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