guanxi

British  

/ ˌɡwænˈsiː /

noun

1. a Chinese social concept based on the exchange of favours, in which personal relationships are considered more important than laws and written agreements

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Etymology

Origin of guanxi

C20: Chinese: relationships

Example Sentences

It is not uncommon for people to use "guanxi" to help their children find jobs, she says, but what bothers her is the "deep-rooted unfairness".

From BBC

Frustrated with rising unemployment and a slowing economy, more and more young Chinese people feel that connections, or guanxi, pay off more than hard work, research shows.

From BBC

As investment prospects darken, financiers increasingly view the game as a way to build 'guanxi' or connections with officials who hold the purse strings on local projects, especially those overseas investors might consider too risky.

From Reuters

Doctors and experts said the use of red packets and "guanxi", or connections, to gain access persists.

From Reuters

Her experience is shared by other young Chinese workers who feel pressured into attending such events, in a country where building guanxi - or personal relationships - is key to securing business deals and good standing in the eyes of upper management.

From BBC