Face-Saving

Jenny Chan's Introduction to Adventure English

Jenny Chan, who had led a group of students on a tour to the United States with the express purpose of visiting Adventure English, introduced Jackie Wong to the Adventure English Company. On the other hand, she got to know Cory Wright via Mr. Robbin Philips, who revealed that Cory Wright was in charge of setting up programs as asked by Jackie Wong. By forwardeding Jackie's call to him, Robbin Philips made a connection between her and Cory Wright. This sequence of events relates to the notion of the face by the fact of the presence of intermediaries. To get to the company and Mr. Cory Wright Jackie had to rely on the intermediaries in principal Chan and Mr. Philips.

Cory Wright's Use of Humor

How do you think Cory wright’s use of humor was perceived by Jackie Wong after the request was made that the children be taken care of well?

The humor was perceived negatively by Jackie Wong. By trying to make a joke out of the serious request made by Jackie Wong, Cory Wright shows that he clearly does not understand the face-saving practices of the Chinese. He does not realize the sensitivity of the matter and seems to make fun out of the request making Jackie request look a joke which adds no value to her social image.

Expectations of Taiwan group leaders at the airport

What expectations do you think the Taiwan group leaders had for being greeted at the airport? Do you think they felt the airport and transportation arrangements were respectful? Why?

The Taiwan group leaders had expected to be greeted at the airport by the leaders of the Adventure English Company. No, the group leaders did not feel that the airport and transportation arrangements were respectful. The Taiwan group leaders are honorific people and would have wanted to be treated as such but the company instead of going to welcome the Taiwan group at the airport they sent transportation to pick them up. Additionally, the Chinese people are social people and the fact that the company sent five vans to fetch their guest meant that the group would be separated in transportation. They instead should have sent a bus with enough capacity for the group.

Gifting Practices and Superintendent Li's Loss of Face

How did Robbin present gifts to and accept gifts from members of the Taiwan group? In what ways was this different from the Chinese approach? Why do you think Superintendent Li may have felt a loss of face?

Robbin Philips presents gifts to the Taiwan group first by giving gifts to the students and then to the Taiwan group leaders. This approach is different from the Taiwan’s approach given that the Taiwan’s approach is hierarchical from the highest person to the lowest in the company’s leadership. Superintendent Li feels a loss of face due to the embarrassment he faces after he is forced to open his gift in front of the students. He’s not honored for the position he holds in the Taiwan group.

Jackie Wong's Requests and Perception of Honoring

What requests did Jackie Wong make? Do you think Jackie Wong felt that Robbin Philips was honoring the Taiwan's group requests Philips? Why? How do you think Jackie Wong felt about Robbin Philips references to business-oriented solutions? Why?

Jackie Wong made various requests including for teachers to treat with respect the Taiwan children, teachers to reduce playing time, children to take part in all the activities agreed, and a Chinese lunch is prepared for the children in the final week. No, Jackie Wong did not feel that the requests were being honored. Robbin Philips was not giving any assurances that the company would honor that he even tells Jackie Wong that the firm is unable to control the food issue. When Robbin Philips made references to business oriented solutions, Jackie Wong felt that she and her Taiwan group were being treated less of human and more of business. To Robbin Philips, the contracts come before the customer. He reminds her that as part of the contract they had an agreement that some of the previously agreed activities could be changed.

Superintendent Li's Silence

Why didn’t superintendent Li voice her concerns when Robbin Philips approached her?

Superintendent Li failed to raise her concerns to save face by avoiding direct public confrontations. Had she said that her children were not happy, Robbin Philips could have insisted on knowing why which could have created a series of arguments and disagreements where each one would be trying to justify their position.

Reasons for Ignoring Communications and Effects on Adventure English

Why do you think Jackie Wong and superintendent Li would not return phone calls or other communications?

It is apparent that Jackie Wong and superintendent Li were angry of the treatment they received from the management of Adventure English Company. They felt that the treatment was unworthy given their relationship orientation and therefore they did not wish to have any relationship with the school. To them the management was disrespectful.

Jenny Chan's Loss of Face and Impact on Adventure English

Do you think Jenny Chan lost face? Why? What effects might this have on Adventure English?

Yes, I think Jenny Chan lost face. After she was contacted by Cory Wright about Jackie Wong, she tells him she also does not know how to contact Jackie Wong meaning that she had also been disconnected by Jackie Wong for bringing embarrassment to Jackie Wong’s group. The implication that this ordeal has on Adventure English is that the company will lose its customer base China and worst in Asia. The Asian community is closely and socially related, and word would move fast about the disrespectful nature of business of Adventure English Company, and soon no one will want to do business with the company. It is evident that even Jenny Chan will not be taking her group to Adventure English anytime soon instead she has agreed to take them to an English language center in New York for the next five years.