Chinese communication generally works toward maintaining or restoring harmony in relationships and social situations rather than toward winning conflicts or asserting positions unilaterally. Harmony is the desired baseline; communication that disrupts it requires strong justification. This shapes how disagreement, criticism, and conflict are handled — often through indirect means that preserve relationship viability. Disagreement might be communicated through questions rather than direct contradiction, through private channels rather than public confrontation.
The goal is usually outcomes that all parties can accept rather than victories that leave damaged relationships. This doesn’t mean conflicts never happen or strong positions aren’t communicated. It means that communication seeks paths that accomplish necessary purposes while keeping relationships functional and social situations stable.
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