Journal of Business and Technical Communication Oct 2003

Reconceptualizing Politeness to Accommodate Dynamic Tensions in Subordinate-to-Superior Reporting

Priscilla S. Rogers University of Michigan–Ann Arbor ; Song Mei Lee-Wong Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

Abstract

This research provides a framework identifying dynamic tensions that occur as subordinates try to maintain a sufficient degree of politeness while reporting to superiors on workplace tasks. Building on politeness theory, the framework suggests how conventional politeness dimensions, such as deference, solidarity, and non-imposition are challenged by organizational obligations and workplace tasks requiring confidence, direction, and individuality. The framework evolved from a series of analyses of two samples: one consisting of e-mail between international project teams and their domestically located supervisors, the other of Asian and U.S. business undergraduates' responses to two workplace scenarios involving critiquing a superior's work. Analyses revealed competing communicative dimensions relevant to subordinate-to-superior interactions, including dimensions that are underdeveloped in politeness literature. Examples from these data suggest that managing a sufficient equilibrium between these dimensions requires a substantial knowledge of rhetorical and linguistic alternatives.

Journal
Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Published
2003-10-01
DOI
10.1177/1050651903255401
Open Access
Closed
Topics
affect and writing

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (3)

  1. Westerman et al. (2015)
    Opening a Performance Dialogue With Employees
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  2. Friess (2011)
    Politeness, Time Constraints, and Collaboration in Decision-Making Meetings: A …
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  3. Ding (2006)
    An Indirect Style in Business Communication
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication

Cites in this index (7)

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    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
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    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
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    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
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    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
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    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
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    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
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