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Morisaki and Gudykunst (1994) employ the term 'self-construals' to
encapsulate these cultural variations, with western cultures being characterised
by independent self-construals (essentially autonomy of the self from others),
and Asian ones by interdependent self-construals (essentially 'connectedness
of the self to others'). Thus, a culture, or individual, may sit somewhere on the
independent-interdependent dimension (see fig. 1.7).
Fig. 1.7 Predominance of Independent and Interdependent Self-
Construal Types
Independent -4 Interdependent
mo-
us JAPAN
Derived from Morisaki and Gudykunst (1994)
Face is seen as being located in these construal, and facework as
reflecting the concerns associated with each construal of self. In short, in
predominantly12 independent cultures, persons engaged in interaction will base
facework primarily on concern for both self- and other- independent face, whilst
in interdependent cultures, persons will work to mutually support interdependent
face. A summary of characteristics of each is given in table 1.4
These readings of cultures as being characterised in their beliefs,
attitude, and communicative behaviours as individualist or collectivist, and of the
related conceptual isations of self as a basis for ho face is perceived seem to
provide for an understanding of East - West differences in face and facework
practices. However, rather than employing these readings to account for and
amplify cultural dichotomy in face and facework, some scholars have suggested
a more fluid and dynamic application.
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