The job demands and resources model indicates that job demands, but also job resources can have an influence on an individuals work engagement. Each individual is influenced by the culture around them, as culture can be defined as….Thus it can be assumed the element of culture should be considered in the jd-r model. In this thesis I will research if and how the JDR model is applicable to the cultural concept of guanxi, which is fundamental part of Chinese society.
2. Guanxi only Idea
2.1. General explanation
Guanxi is a fundamental element of Chinese society. Due to its complexity, there are a variety of definitions.
Guanxi can be described as a dyadic tie between two parties, which includes some sort of personal sentiment and obligations between the two parties such as favor exchanges.
One of the most critical interpersonal relationship in various Chinese organizational settings.
Social exchange theory
2.2. Confucianism
Ganqing – loyalty and comradery
Renqing – reciprocity
Xinren – trust
Mianzi – saving face
2.3. Antecedents of/ motives for guanxi
Most Chinese employees have more than one motive for building guanxi with their supervisor (on average 2.5). The most common motive was, to be able to improve job performance, by being supported by their supervisor, better understanding of their expectations, and access to resources with the aid of good guanxi. 65% reported they strive for personal benefits through guanxi with their supervisors. More frequent and open communication was another motive mentioned. Several participants reported fear of negative impact on their work if they had bad guanxi. (Zhang et al. 2014)
2.4. Types of guanxi/ bases
Hwang (1887)
– Expressive (family, close friends)
– Instrumental (salesmen, customers)
– Mixed (colleagues, classmates, neighbors)
Chen & Chen (2004)
– Common social identities (e.g. birthplace, educational institution, work place)
– Common third party
– Anticipatory base (initiating guanxi by expressing an intention or even a promise to engage in future exchanges or collaborations)
2.5. 3 step model of Guanxi
Chen & Chen (2004)
1.identify and create guanxi bases for the purpose of further development
2. enhance guanxi quality
3. the parties use their guanxi connection
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