Cultural and Organizational Antecedents ofGuanxi: The Chinese Cases

Journal of Business Ethics · 2011 · Volume 99 · Issue 3

Abstract

Being different from the Western concept of “relationship,” Chinese concept of “relationship,” that is,guanxiprofoundly influences Chinese society in commercial activities, business ethics, and organizational behaviors. Moreover, firms can develop their networks ofguanxito gain competitive advantages. Highlighting the cultural and organizational antecedents ofguanxi, namely Confucianism and organizational ethical climate, this study examines the influence of these two antecedents onguanxiand makes comparisons ofguanxi, Confucianism and organizational ethical climate between Taiwan and Mainland China. The results show that Taiwan, where preserves more Confucian culture, tends to put much emphasis onguanxithan Mainland China, especially with respect tomianzi. Concerning ethical climate, Taiwan tends to have instrumental, and law and code ethical climate.

Keywords

guanxi, Confucianism, organizational ethical climate

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