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Supervisor–Subordinate Guanxi and Trust in Supervisor: A Qualitative Inquiry in the People’s Republic of China

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Abstract

In the People’s Republic of China (PRC), we investigated the relationships between supervisor–subordinate guanxi and trust in supervisor in firms with different types of ownership from both supervisor and subordinate’s sides. Utilising a qualitative approach, the findings of this study showed there was a direct relationship of superior–subordinate guanxi on trust in supervisor. The findings were discussed in the theoretical context of—social exchange theory, social identity theory and the theory of reasoned action as the theoretical foundations on the relationships between superior–subordinate guanxi and trust in supervisor.

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Notes

  1. 根据您以往的经验和认识,请举例说明(数量不限)上级和直属下级间的关系(像您和您的主管一样).

  2. 根据您以往的经验和认识,请举例说明(数量不限)上级和直属下级间的关系(像您和您的下属一样).

  3. The translation of the word ‘maybe’ in the Chinese context means that guanxi may or may not enhance trust.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Economics and Management, Tongji University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

    Yong Han & Zhenglong Peng

  2. Guangxi Institute of Public Administration, Nanning, People’s Republic of China

    Yong Han

  3. Centre for International Education, Guangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanning, People’s Republic of China

    Yi Zhu

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  1. Yong Han
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  2. Zhenglong Peng
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  3. Yi Zhu
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Correspondence to Zhenglong Peng.

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Han, Y., Peng, Z. & Zhu, Y. Supervisor–Subordinate Guanxi and Trust in Supervisor: A Qualitative Inquiry in the People’s Republic of China. J Bus Ethics 108, 313–324 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-1092-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-1092-6

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