Dynamics of Trust in Guanxi Networks
- 15 June 2006
- book chapter
- Published by Emerald
Abstract
Interpersonal trust is an important element of Chinese guanxi network. In this chapter, we examine Chinese guanxi network from a trust perspective. We adopt the distinction that trust could be built on either a socio-emotional basis (affect-based trust) or an instrumental basis (cognition-based trust) and use this lens to examine cultural differences in Chinese and Western social networks. Specifically, we will discuss (a) how the two dimensions of trust are related in the Chinese versus American context, and (b) how affect-based trust is associated with different forms of social exchange in Chinese versus American social networks. Because dyadic relationships are embedded within larger social networks, trust between two network actors is also likely to be influenced by the social context that surrounds them. Hence, we also examine how dyadic trust is shaped by higher-level network properties such as density.Keywords
This publication has 20 references indexed in Scilit:
- Cultural influence on relationship cultivation strategies: Multinational companies in ChinaJournal of Communication Management, 2004
- Kinship Networks and Entrepreneurs in China’s Transitional EconomyAmerican Journal of Sociology, 2004
- Conversing across cultures: East-West communication styles in work and nonwork contexts.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2003
- Collaboration Networks, Structural Holes, and Innovation: A Longitudinal StudyAdministrative Science Quarterly, 2000
- TRUST AND DISTRUST IN ORGANIZATIONS: Emerging Perspectives, Enduring QuestionsAnnual Review of Psychology, 1999
- The Chinese Family and Economic Development: Obstacle or Engine?Economic Development and Cultural Change, 1996
- The Social Roots of China's Economic DevelopmentThe China Quarterly, 1995
- An Integrative Model Of Organizational TrustAcademy of Management Review, 1995
- Trust as a Social RealitySocial Forces, 1985
- The Strength of Weak TiesAmerican Journal of Sociology, 1973