Politeness Traps in Managerial Communication
Politeness Traps in Managerial Communication

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to show the “hidden face” of politeness in the context of professional communication. Having to deal with a lot of conflict situations, managers use politeness as a means of deceptive communication. In this way, they fall into the trap of what they call “polite discourse” in order to avoid stressful situations and direct confrontation with the purpose of not “losing face”. However, the consequence of using deceptive communication seems to be, in fact, the opposite: self-image as well as reputation might be affected on grounds of lack of transparency and honesty.

• Details
• Contents