Guanxi, Tie Strength, and Network Attributes. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barbalet, Jack
• Other Names: Chua Vincent guest-editor.; Wellman Barry guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: American behavioral scientist. Volume 59:Number 8(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 1038
• Page End: 1050
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: information opacity -- obligation -- volitional networks; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; United States -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 300
• DOI: 10.1177/0002764215580613
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-7642

Abstract

Guanxi possesses a variant network form. A characterization of guanxi in terms of its cultural and institutional attributes is provided, paralleling accounts emphasizing respectively its expressive and instrumental qualities. Both are aspects of guanxi 's reputational focus. Tie strength is considered in terms of differences between latent-structure networks, where tie strength discerns patterned differences, and volitionally constructed networks, where it does not. It is shown that as guanxi networks are constituted by iterated obligations, influence (a directing power) cannot flow through them. Obligation (a constraining power) marks the character of guanxi networks. Finally, discussion turns to the information opaque nature of guanxi, resulting from guanxi 's cultivated form and the obligatory relationships underlying it (requiring confidentiality and mutual monitoring of participants). The adaptability of guanxi in different historical contexts, from imperial China to the present-day market reform period, is suggested throughout.