Deal with Superiors and Subordinates Appropriately

It is important to recognise the distinction in ‘rank’ among the various people you deal with in a given organisation or among several different organisations. Do not give more face (i.e., pay more attention to, spend more time with, do special favours for) someone whose position is clearly subordinate to other people with whom you have relations. Subordinates are expected to keep their place, and it is bad form on your part if you appear to be encouraging them to do otherwise.

Make Your Chinese Counterpart/Host Feel Good

At its simplest, giving face is essentially a matter of making someone feel good, and this can amount to simple gestures such as being careful about how you disagree; praising any accomplishments, both individual and of the organisation (especially if it involves an improvement in technology, quality, etc.); asking after family; taking the trouble to learn a little Chinese or otherwise show an understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture; etc. It is not necessary to get overly concerned about handshakes, returning dinner invitations, forms of address, etc. The Chinese will forgive you all that if they like you, and making them feel good is one of the best ways to ensure that happens.

Keep Your Own Face

Losing your temper is the quickest way to lose your own face, so do not make your hosts uncomfortable by doing this in front of them. While your Chinese counterparts understand that you will express frustration or even anger on occasion, you are expected to maintain control of yourself and the situation. In general, the Chinese frown upon public displays of emotion, such as overt affection, anger, etc, (not that you won’t see this under some circumstances, as in the example provided earlier) and approve of keeping emotions and their true thoughts under control and hidden from others, or at least those with whom they have a relationship. This is especially true for those who occupy positions of authority or leadership.

Appreciate their Appreciation of Subtlety

While you might call it beating around the bush, your Chinese counterparts will usually have a reason for being indirect, vague, and/or circumspect, and it is best not to push them into saying something they do not want to say or have been forbidden to discuss. Vagueness can also be a way of avoiding confrontation, particularly if there is a risk of losing face. Also, be aware that to mention a issue or need in the abstract in the presence of one’s host (e.g., “I wish I could find a thingamajig…”) can be interpreted as a subtle way of requesting his/her assistance, so if you are just ruminating and do not want your host to feel obligated to help you, best to do it non-verbally.