Guanxi - The Power of Networking

Guanxi, the Chinese concept of building relationships is an important aspect underlying all of the social activities. Most of the China businesses are formatted to participate in the Guanxi process of networking. Today's Guanxi is becoming more widely used instead of the two common translation --connections and relationships, it covers Personal Guanxi, Family Guanxi, Business Guanxi, Social Guanxi and Government Guanxi and even more.

The importance of Guanxi in building and strengthening business and commercial relationships can be likened to that of a bamboo grove. To grow the bamboo, first you must plant the seeds and nurture them. Below the ground, the root network establishes itself, making the foundations strong and firm for the bamboo shoots to grow towards the sun. An established grove is almost impossible to destroy because of its powerful interlocking root system.

The power of Guanxi is therefore being part of a well-connected international and regional network where business can access the support and relationships the entrepreneur enjoys with overseas counterpart organisations, other trade and business organisations as well as governments.