conducting a study with undergraduate business students, found that individualism is positively related to Mianzigain, and that consequently individualists, in this case American students, were most likely to ask questions in class. This is because asking questions is a way to gain prestige and recognition (Mianzigain), and not just to gain knowledge. Surprisingly, the
researchers did not find support for the hypothesis that collectivism is positively related with the fear of Mianziloss. However, this relationship was found to exist in the American individualistic sample. Nonetheless, Hwang et al. (2003) were able to confirm that in general individuals concerned with loosing Mianzi will be less likely to ask questions in class in order to avoid Mianziloss. Hwang et al. (2003) also found evidence that individuals who want to gain face will be more likely to use formal communication channels to show their knowledge and ability, while those who worry about losing face will prefer informal communication channels. An example of such use of informal communication channels would be students asking questions of the professor outside the classroom or informal discussions among students.