Guanxi

Guanxi (关系 or 關係 pinyin guan1 xi4), literally translated as "relationship", has been a central concept in Chinese society and describes a personal connection between two people in which one is able to prevail upon another to perform a favor or service. It has been extensively studied and described in studies of Chinese economic and political behavior. When a guanxi network violates bureaucratic norms, it can lead to corruption.

A closely related concept is that of Ganqing or feeling which reflects the depth of feeling within an interpersonal relationship.

See also: Chinese social relations