Research Article Open Access

How Guanxi Relates to Social Capital? A Psychological Perspective

Kai-Ping Huang and Karen Yuan Wang

Abstract

Problem statement: The study aims to offer a discussion on social capital and guanxi, in order to illustrate the similarities and differences between these two concepts and how Chinese guanxi varies from Western preconceptions concerning social networking. Approach: The literature review and arguments were conducted to provide a systematic discussion of the guanxi and social capital relationship. Results: Both guanxi and social capital involve social relations; it is important to appreciate that guanxi does not relate exclusively to social capital, or that guanxi itself is simply another term for social capital. Conclusion: Both guanxi and social capital are similar concepts. Social capital is considered as both the attributes of individuals and organizations; thus, guanxi is distinctively about interpersonal relationships, which are often lost within the corporate environments of large organizations.

Journal of Social Sciences
Volume 7 No. 2, 2011, 120-126

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2011.120.126

Submitted On: 2 January 2011 Published On: 2 February 2011

How to Cite: Huang, K. & Wang, K. Y. (2011). How Guanxi Relates to Social Capital? A Psychological Perspective. Journal of Social Sciences, 7(2), 120-126. https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2011.120.126

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Keywords

  • Guanxi and social capital
  • social relationship
  • psychological perspective
  • cultural perspective
  • unique characteristic
  • institutional perspective
  • dyadic perspective
  • Chinese entrepreneurs
  • guanxi-based relationship
  • interpersonal relationship