Introduced Helen Spencer Oatey's keynote speech at the 20th Annual Conference on Cross Cultural Studies in China, transcribed, revised, and translated into Chinese by Zhai Zheng. The speech explores the conceptual framework of interpersonal harmony management in cross-cultural communication, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for understanding and analyzing harmony and conflict in cross-cultural communication.

1 Introduction

The author shared the starting point of their cross-cultural communication research, which was their experience of traveling from the UK to China in 1974. In Hong Kong, the author encountered embarrassment due to unfamiliarity with Chinese hospitality etiquette and realized the close connection between language, culture, and identity. These experiences prompted the author to explore the conceptualization of culture and the connection between culture and language use, as well as how culture and language shape interpersonal relationships, thus stimulating his research interest.

2 Culture and Behavior: Early Perspectives and Conceptual Challenges

Explored the relationship between culture and behavior in cross-cultural communication, pointing out that individual values and behaviors are not only influenced by nationality, but also by other groups such as occupation, ethnicity, religion, etc. Research shows that individual differences in values within the same country may be greater than differences between individuals in different countries, challenging the traditional view that national culture determines individual values. There is a bidirectional relationship between values and behavior, but it is not always directly related. The chapter also discusses various cross-cultural analysis frameworks, such as DIE, DAE, ODIS, and 3R, emphasizing that "explanation", "analysis", and "reflection" are key steps. The author proposes two major challenges faced in the cross-cultural field: the need for a practical and effective framework to clarify the relationship between language, culture, and behavior, and to guide resource development; We need a framework that is suitable for both non professionals and professionals. Finally, the author introduces the TRIPS interpersonal harmony management framework and demonstrates its application in real case studies to enhance cross-cultural communication awareness and behavior change.

Interpretation of Key Events: Comments from Cross Cultural Scholars

Through a case study on public criticism, this paper explores the issue of interpersonal harmony management in cross-cultural communication. The case involves three parties: the superior Amy, the newly hired Olivia, and the lower ranking Lima. European cross-cultural scholars have discussed the case and put forward different interpretations and suggestions. Some people think that Amy, as a manager, is too laissez faire, some are confused by Lima's dissatisfaction, and some believe that the company discriminates against Lima. These interpretations tend to attribute rather than attempt to understand different viewpoints. The TRIPS framework can help reduce this tendency.

Using the TRIPS Framework to Interpret Key Events

The TRIPS framework provides a structured approach to analyze key events in cross-cultural communication, including five dimensions: triggering factors, reactions, interactive processes, interactors, and interactive domains. The triggering factors involve goals, autonomy, attention, face saving, fairness, and ethical principles (GAAFFE), and mishandling these sensitive points can lead to negative reactions. The case study demonstrates how words and actions during the interactive process trigger reactions and judgments, as well as how individuals' different experiences of GAAFFE triggering factors affect interpersonal harmony. Reactions include emotional reactions and evaluative reactions, and managing emotions is a key step in the interaction cycle. The interactive process involves three key elements: information content, communication style, and communication dynamics. Interactive factors include the number of participants, characteristics, nationality, personality, language ability, and mutual relationships. The dimensions of interactive fields operate on multiple levels, including communication events, organizational structures, national and international backgrounds. The TRIPS framework aims to focus on the overall situation, making complex interactions easier to understand and manage.

5 follow-up case studies

The case study of improving the relationship between Olivia and Lima demonstrates the application of the TRIPS framework in managing interpersonal harmony in cross-cultural communication. Olivia improved her relationship with Lima by adjusting her autonomy and communication style. The TRIPS framework regards culture as an element in the interactive process, which helps to reduce stereotypes and avoid excessive focus on group identity. Cultural factors influence expectations and norms at the level of interactive domains, such as organizational, national, and global contexts, which in turn affect other dimensions of the TRIPS framework. The influence of culture on communication style, speech acts, and speech turn patterns may significantly affect the importance ranking of triggering factors. When examining reactions, it is also necessary to consider the influence of cultural factors on the expression of emotional responses. In short, culture is deeply rooted in group socialization, but its influence permeates and influences every dimension of the TRIPS framework.

6 TRIPS Tools and Subsequent Reading

Deeply elaborated on the TRIPS tool, which is an improvement on the 3R tool used to describe and report facts in cross-cultural communication. The TRIPS framework provides structured guidance for analyzing causal relationships and responses, particularly in dealing with difficult emotions. The chapter also introduces tools specifically designed to address workplace challenges, accompanied by usage guidelines. The original intention of developing these tools is to help Chinese students working in the UK and others resolve tense relationships with their superiors, with the aim of providing practical and culturally sensitive advice. The new book "Building Successful Workplace Relationships: The TRIPS Toolbox for Dealing with Workplace Relationship Challenges and Enhancing Interpersonal Harmony" is divided into four parts, covering basic knowledge, workplace interpersonal relationship challenges, TRIPS framework exploration, and tool usage guidelines. The book contains background information, case studies, discussion activities, and practical tools, suitable for personal use and educational training. The book 'Cultivating Global Adaptability' explores in detail the development and application of global adaptability, providing practical tools and case studies to promote individual development.