1. in social interactions, a set of strategic behaviors by which people attempt to maintain both their own dignity (“face”) and that of the people with whom they are dealing. Facework strategies include politeness, deference, tact, avoidance of difficult subjects, and the use of half-truths and “white lies.” The conventions governing facework differ widely between cultures.

2. formal face-to-face interactions between people engaged in business, politics, diplomacy, and other goal-directed activities. Such interactions may involve a certain amount of small talk and personal conversation as well as discussion of the official agenda.