Guanxi

Welcome to this edition of China Lifestyle Journeys, the series that brings you chats, discussions and insights on all aspects of Chinese living. We will cover festivals, food, traditions, customs and much, much more. I’m your host Jocelyn… and I’m Mat, just an English guy with lots of questions.

So, Mat, what’s your big question today?

(Mat)

Hello and welcome to another episode of China Lifestyle Journeys! Today, we’re delving into the fascinating topic ofguanxi, or as we say in English “personal relationships” in Chinese culture. So personal relationships hold significant importance in Chinese society, but I think that this is also an important part of many cultures, so let’s explore the differences. So first of all, Jocelyn, I think we should start with an example.

(Jocelyn)

Sure, Mat! Let’s create an example with a fictional story, rather than using a real life example. So imagine a character, a Chinese businessperson named Li and his colleague, Zhang. Li and Zhang have been working together for several years and have developed a strongguanxi (a personal connection). They often go out for meals together, exchange small gifts on special occasions, and help each other out whenever needed. This personal relationship goes beyond just business interactions and creates a sense of trust and mutual support between them. For instance, if Li needs a favour or an introduction to someone, Zhang would be more likely to assist him because of their establishedguanxi. It’s a friendship that extends beyond the workplace and enhances their professional collaboration.

(Mat)

I’m not sure if I get it. It sounds like they are workmates, they get on well with each other and when they need a favour, they help each other out, just like most people doing this in the situation. To me this sounds like just any kind of normal relationship between colleagues. I can imagine this happening in my country. So what am I missing here?

(Jocelyn)

OK, let me give a different example using our two characters Li and Zhang. Let’s say that Li is getting married and needs to hire a restaurant for the wedding party. Zhang’s uncle owns a fancy restaurant in the neighbourhood. Zhang says, “I’ll ask my uncle if he can give you a good deal on the wedding party”. Zhang’s uncle agrees, and Li can hire out the restaurant, for a very good price, and Zhang’s uncle will even give some free drinks and snacks on the table. Li is very happy, he accepts this offer. Zhang has done him a big favour. Li knows this and Zhang knows it. It is stored in their heads. Imagine it like a football score, Zhang One Li Zero. Zhang is owed a favour. Now this is where it gets interesting, because Zhang can call in that owed favour any time he wants. Next week, next month and even next year. It will not be forgotten.

(Mat)

OK, so it’s similar to the English expression, you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. So when Zhang gets married, he can ask Li to help with the restaurant arrangements for his wedding. Is that how it works? 

(Jocelyn)

Well, yes, that’s possible, but Zhang is owed a favour of a “similar social value” – it could be something completely unrelated to weddings. So let’s say Li’s sister has a very important university examination coming up, she needs some guidance with her studies. Zhang’s sister is a teacher, Li asks Zhang, “Can your sister help my sister with her exam?” Zhang is obliged to say yes.

(Mat)

OK, so Li asks Zhang to repay the favour. And Zhang cannot refuse. But what happens if Li asks Zhang to lend him a million dollars or something like that?

(Jocelyn)

Well, that’s it, you’ve kind of found the true meaning of “guanxi” here. There is an understanding that the favours exchanged should be within a reasonable and appropriate range – equal in size to the favour owed. Asking for a million dollars would likely be considered beyond the scope of theguanxi relationship between Li and Zhang. It’s important to note thatguanxi operates within certain boundaries and is based on trust and balance. Asking for such a large sum of money would likely puta strain on the relationship and go against the principles ofguanxi. It’s more common for these favours to be related to personal or professional support, advice, introductions, or small-scale assistance. It’s about maintaining a harmonious and balanced relationship, rather than exploiting or imposing on the other person.  

(Mat)

OK, so let me see if I’ve got it. Let’s say you wrote a book about English culture and you wanted me to write a recommendation in the preface. I agree to do it, I write it for you, and then you owe me a favour and we both know it, and then about one month later, I mention that I need to find a publisher for, let’s say, my book. Imagine I wrote a book on Chinese culture, and you say you have a publisher friend, then you invite us both out to lunch, so that we can have a formal introduction. You can introduce me to your publisher friend. And then you have repaid the favour. I think that’s it, yeah.

(Jocelyn)

Ah, that’s a great example, Mat! You’ve got a better understanding ofguanxi now. In your example, the exchange of favours and support is a perfect illustration of howguanxi works. By writing a recommendation for my book, you do me a favour, and when you need assistance with finding a publisher, I leverage my personal connections to introduce you to my publisher friend. This kind of exchange strengthens ourguanxi and shows the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship based on trust and mutual support.People rely on their personal networks to navigate various aspects of life, whether it’s professional opportunities, social connections, or even personal matters. Chinese people understand the value ofguanxi and use it to build a better society by fostering cooperation, collaboration, and a sense of interconnectedness. It’s a cultural practice that reflects the deep-rooted values of mutual benefit and reciprocity.

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