A research model for Guanxi behavior: Antecedents, measures, and outcomes of Chinese social networking

An operational definition of Guanxi behavior (a type of Chinese social networking) was developed, and several personality and social psychological variables were tested for their relationship with the Guanxi behaviors (in relation to family, friends, and doing favors) developed from the definition. Correlations computed from self reports of 382 Chinese citizens affirmed the expected relationships, and regressions revealed Family Emotional Support, Gregariousness, Chinese Values, and Face to be positively and significantly related to, and explained 41–55% of the variance for, the Guanxi social-networking behaviors. In addition, the Guanxi behaviors explained significant variance for Coworker Support, Life Satisfaction, and Attribution-to-Self for success in life. Concepts are discussed in relation to Chinese culture, as well as attachment and needs theories.