A Systematic Review of Guanxi in Leading Management Journals

The aim of this research is to conduct a systematic review of over 258 articles that have appeared in 33 leading marketing, management, human resources, international business, strategy and organizational studies to synthesise findings and draw a “big picture” on the topic of guanxi over the past 22 years. Twenty-seven themes from 394 keywords were identified. The common themes identified were guanxi constructs (24%), followed by culture (19%) and ethics studies (16%). Human resources studies (9%), social capital/network (9%), institutional theory (7%), and relationship marketing (6%) are the remaining common themes. Understanding the key factors that impact guanxi will advance the understanding in the paradoxical arguments in Chinese business practices, and practical guidance based on a detailed analysis of the guanxi phenomena will help business practitioners to devise better strategies to navigate the culturally diverse Chinese business landscape.