Guanxi

I finally got to learn what Guanxi is in class today. Wikipedia describes Guanxi as "Guanxi describes the basic dynamic in personalized networks of influence, and is a central idea in Chinese culture. Closely related concepts include that of ganqing, a measure which reflects the depth of feeling within an interpersonal relationship, the moral obligation to maintain the relationship, and the idea of "face", meaning social status, propriety, prestige, or more realistically a combination of all three."

I really like this word as I feel its such a good umbrella term. We have many different english words that would be parts of Guanxi but not one that sums them all up and combines them as Guanxi does. My understanding of Guanxi is the connection of relationships, continued relationship maintenance, emotional intelligence, identity, respect, and face. I've learned about face from my communication classes before and I knew how important face is to Chinese culture. Guanxi also helps describe how one can gain favors from others. Those whom have good Guanxi relations can get others to do favors for them and do favors for others in return. It would make sense as if you are a good friend and have good relations with those close to you they'd be willing to do favors for and you'd be willing to do favors for them.

I really like the idea of Guanxi and how important it is in China. I plan to take the lessons I learn about Guanxi and apply them to my life in America and to my relations with others back home.