Loading...
Networks or nepotism?
Verhezen, Peter
Verhezen, Peter
Author(s)
Author(s) (Additional)
Illustrator(s)
Producer(s)
Contributor(s)
Contributor(s) (Other)
Editor(s)
Advisor(s)
Contact(s)
Data Collector(s)
Keywords
GE Subjects
Collections
Files
Loading...
PVerhezen.pdf
Adobe PDF, 215.89 KB
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Online Access
Abstract
This paper aims to examine the ethical dimension of using gifts to establish social networks – an obvious example is the predominantly Chinese concept of ‘guanxi’ - a practice which may lead to personal and/or corporate gain. I start this paper defining guanxi as a network of personal and social relations. I perceive it as characterized by specific ethical and instrumental dimensions, embedded in social and moral norms, and founded on traditional Confucian philosophy. Subsequently, I interpret these guanxi networks as ‘social capital’ wherein symbolic, social or economic gain is sought. The main question here is to what extent such gain or profit can be considered as 'ethical'; the answer lies in the agent-principal theory and as well in the 'non-harmful' principle. Finally, I will argue that social networks (among which are guanxi, but also other types) could transgress as they take the form of nepotism wherein emotional and moral obligations in interpersonal relations are ignored in favor of pure instrumental [calculating] exploitation of networks for personal [i.e. an agent’s] gain. When the cultural ritual of guanxi, based on strong Confucian moral values, degenerates into a rentseeking guanxi, an appropriate network loses its ethical edge, begins to be corrupted and soon turns into inappropriate behaviour
Note(s)
Topic
Type
Preprint
Date
Identifier
ISBN
DOI
Copyright/License
With permission of the license/copyright holder