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
Authors | Barbalet, Jack |
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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. |
Keywords | information opacity; obligation; volitional networks |
Year | 2015 |
Journal | American Behavioral Scientist |
Journal citation | 59 (8), pp. 1038 - 1050 |
Publisher | SAGE Publications Inc. |
ISSN | 0002-7642 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764215580613 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-84930975483 |
Page range | 1038 - 1050 |
Research Group | Institute for Religion, Politics, and Society |
Publisher's version | File Access Level Controlled |
Place of publication | United States of America |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/89x42/guanxi-tie-strength-and-network-attributes
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