Guanxi, tie strength, and network attributes

Journal article


Barbalet, Jack. (2015). Guanxi, tie strength, and network attributes. American Behavioral Scientist. 59(8), pp. 1038 - 1050. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764215580613
AuthorsBarbalet, Jack
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 guanxinetworks are constituted by iterated obligations, influence (a directing power) cannot flow through them. Obligation (a constraining power) marks the character of guanxinetworks. 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.

Keywordsinformation opacity; obligation; volitional networks
Year2015
JournalAmerican Behavioral Scientist
Journal citation59 (8), pp. 1038 - 1050
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc.
ISSN0002-7642
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764215580613
Scopus EID2-s2.0-84930975483
Page range1038 - 1050
Research GroupInstitute for Religion, Politics, and Society
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationUnited States of America
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