Dramaturgical Tactics in a Chinese Tea Room: Tailoring Self-presentation for Business Success

Abstract

The current paper studies the strategic behaviour pursued by individuals in Fuzhou City, China, to enhance reputation, power, and social capital through rituals involving drinking Wuyi Rock Tea. The rituals include people consciously acting to improve their reputation by following specific rules when making and drinking the tea in teahouses. The dramaturgical method of social analysis developed by social theorist Erving Goffman draws an analogy between dramatic performance and social actors strategically “playing a part” when interacting with others. Analysing Chinese Wuyi tea rituals using this approach demonstrates the value of the dramaturgical paradigm within strategic sciences such as business anthropology.