- Follow-up serves as relational “lubrication” to maintain harmony, avoid conflict, and foster reciprocal obligations.
- It is a form of ongoing negotiation, not just contract enforcement.
- Follow-up intensity is modulated to avoid face-threatening behaviors but ensures mutual understanding.
- In China, “agreement” signals intention and relationship commitment more than rigid legalistic closure, so follow-up is a natural, often indispensable, part of agreement life.