Abstract
This study compares U.S. Americans' (n = 222) and Koreans' (n = 202) perceptions of and management strategies toward potentially impolite situations. The results show that cultural norms significantly determine the perception of the situation and that Koreans are more likely to resort to confrontation across situations than are U.S. Americans. Additionally, individual face needs, situational factors, and culture, as well as interactions, are important predictors of individuals' management strategies in potentially impolite situations. Practical implications for intercultural communication are discussed.