Abstract: Numerous researches have demonstrated that face is the central explanatory mechanism for different styles of conflict management across cultures. In this study, we propose that the functioning of face can be essentially generalized as some kind of behavioral incentives. Namely, individual conflict handling behaviors in nature are active choices rather than passive responses to various face-threats embedded in conflict situations. Based on the Expectancy Theory, we put forward a theoretical model depicting the functioning mechanism of face on individual conflict handling choices, and test it by administrating a survey to 402 knowledge workers who confronted with a designed task conflict situation. As a result, the direct impacts of face valence and face expectancy, as well as the mediating role of face expectancy, are respectively verified.

摘要： 本文提出个体的冲突处理行为并非只是应对环境威胁的被动响应，更是一种主动选择，“面子”的功能实质上可归结为一种行为激励作用。文章以知识型员工为研究对象，基于期望理论，针对“面子”作用于知识型员工任务冲突处理选择的内在机理进行了实证研究，分别揭示了面子的效价、与面子相关的结果期望各自的直接作用及面子期望的中介作用。