Table 1.

Key concepts in Chinese social network

Concept	Definition
Guanxi	A personalized network of social connections Representing individuals’ social capital and access to network resources Extending from family and relatives (the inner group of the network) to people in outer network groups (e.g., co-workers & neighbors)
Renqing	The moral code of interactions to extend care and compassion Reciprocity of kindness as obligation in social interactions
Ganqing	A subjective measure of affection or depth of feeling towards the other in an interpersonal relationship Built on mutual demonstration of renqing and growing feelings of liking and appreciation, which over time creates a basis of trust
Face/Lian	Considered as a fundamental responsibility for Chinese to preserving their and their families’ face by upholding their reputation as a good and moral human being Viewed as a prerequisite to participating in guanxi