Rapport Management in the German–Chinese Workplace: Interculturality as a Resource?

ABSTRACT In intercultural communication research, rapport management has been studied primarily with a focus on the conflicts and misunderstandings resulting from culturally different conventions. The present study, however, identifies interculturality as a possible resource for successful rapport management. An analysis of German–Chinese conversations in the workplace shows that employees use an extended linguistic and communicative repertoire that they have acquired during their longer intercultural contact. The temporary use of the interlocutor’s language, on the one hand, and the adaption to his discourse organization, on the other hand, can become an effective means of developing rapport.