Abstract
This study examines how power, social distance, and ranking of imposition specified in Brown and Levinson's politeness theory influence positive and negative politeness strategies used in Chinese gift-giving. We utilize a 2×2×2 repeated measure within subject design. Responses from 152 Chinese were subjected to analyses of repeated measure ANOVAs. Results revealed significant main effects and interaction effects for power, social distance, and ranking of imposition on politeness strategies in Chinese gift-giving behaviors. Theoretical and practical implications of the results and future research directions are discussed.
Highlights
This study examines how power, social distance, and ranking of imposition specified in Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory influence positive and negative politeness strategies used in Chinese gift-giving
In this study, guided by Brown and Levinson’s (1987) politeness theory, we explore how Chinese gift-giving is influenced by the three sociological variables central to Brown and Levinson’s (B & L) politeness theory: power, social distance, and ranking of imposition
Chinese Gift-giving Research Chinese gift-giving studies have been conducted from a variety of perspectives (e.g., Chan, Denton, & Tsang, 2003; Joy, 2001; Wang, Razzaque, & Keng, 2007; Yan, 1996; Yang, 1994; Zhu et al, 1998), we review the ones highlighting the influence of power, social distance, and value of a gift on presenting a gift
Summary
This study examines how power, social distance, and ranking of imposition specified in Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory influence positive and negative politeness strategies used in Chinese gift-giving. Responses from 152 Chinese were subjected to analyses of repeated measure ANOVAs. Results revealed significant main effects and interaction effects for power, social distance, and ranking of imposition on politeness strategies in Chinese gift-giving behaviors. Numerous research on Chinese gift-giving has focused on its instrumental functions such as building business relations or obtaining personal gains (e.g., Chan, Denton, & Tsang, 2003; Yang, 1994), while some other research has highlighted Chinese gift-giving as a genuine gesture to show goodwill such as appreciation and congratulations (e.g., Joy, 2001; Zhu, Li, & Qian, 1998). Gift-giving as a genuine gesture to show goodwill is similar to what Malinowski (1978) describes: a desire to please the other motivates gift giving, for which equivalence return considerations are unimportant
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
