Journal of Business and Technical Communication Jan 2006

An Indirect Style in Business Communication

Daniel D. Ding Ferris State University

Abstract

This article investigates how Confucianism inspires an indirect style in professional communication in China. Particularly, the author examines two major philosophical principles of Confucianism, Li (rituals/rules) and Ren (love/benevolence), and discusses how they encourage individuals to establish proper human relationships, to humble themselves, and to shun pure personal profits. Dictated by Confucianism, Chinese writers often focus on interpersonal relationships, humble themselves, and avoid personal profits before discussing pertinent business issues. As a result, Chinese writers are indirect in their style. They often employ the indirect style to accommodate two pragmatic acts: (a) establishing their ethos that helps create a strong bond between individuals at a more personal level and (b) building a harmonious social structure at a more societal level. Such a style is conducive to successful business transactions. So, it should not be explained as ineffective or as mere digressions.

Journal
Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Published
2006-01-01
DOI
10.1177/1050651905281051
Open Access
Closed
Topics
professional writing voice and style argument

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (10)

  1. Li et al. (2020)
    Inductively Versus Deductively Structured Product Descriptions: Effects on Chin…
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  2. Zhang (2017)
    Assessing Attitudes Toward Content and Design in Alibaba’s Dry Goods Business I…
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  3. Ding (2014)
    An Important Link in the Chain Connecting Ancient Chinese Philosophy to Present…
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  4. Kankaanranta et al. (2013)
    The Evolution of English as the Business Lingua Franca
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  5. Jansen et al. (2011)
    Explanations First: A Case for Presenting Explanations Before the Decision in D…
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Show all 10 →
  1. Yu (2011)
    Integrating Technical Communication Into China’s English Major Curriculum
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  2. Wang et al. (2011)
    Linking Contextual Factors with Rhetorical Pattern Shift: Direct and Indirect S…
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  3. Ding (2010)
    Introducing China's First Comprehensive Technical Writing Book: <i>On Technolog…
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  4. Wang (2010)
    Convergence in the Rhetorical Pattern of Directness and Indirectness in Chinese…
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  5. Roberts et al. (2008)
    When West Meets East
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Cites in this index (3)

  1. Rogers et al. (2003)
    Reconceptualizing Politeness to Accommodate Dynamic Tensions in Subordinate-to-…
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  2. Ding (2003)
    The Emergence of Technical Communication in China—Yi Jing (I Ching)
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  3. Locker (1999)
    Factors in Reader Responses to Negative Letters
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Also cites 7 works outside this index ↓
  1. 10.1093/elt/52.4.323
     ↗
  2. 10.1080/09585200210164566d
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  3. 10.1353/pew.2003.0039
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  4. 10.1080/09552360050001752
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  6. 10.1207/S15326926CLP0503_2
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  7. 10.1080/03050060020020435
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CrossRef global citation count: 43 View in citation network →

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