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Purpose The purpose of this study is to review the existing literature on guanxi and further avenues of research. Over the past quarter-century, the concept of guanxi-the intricate system of personal relationships and informal networks deeply embedded in Chinese society-has become a focal point of scholarly inquiry in management research. This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric review of Guanxi research published in leading management journals from 1998 to 2023, mapping the intellectual landscape and thematic evolution of the field. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on data from the Web of Science database, the review uses advanced bibliometric techniques to identify influential works, leading scholars and dominant research clusters. The analysis reveals a marked increase in guanxi-related publications since the late 1990s, reflecting its enduring relevance amid China’s economic transformation and integration into the global economy. Findings The findings highlight the centrality of guanxi in navigating China’s complex business environment, where trust in personal relationships often compensates for institutional weaknesses and legal uncertainties. The review also underscores the cultural roots of guanxi in Confucianism and Daoism, contrasting its collectivist, relationship-centered ethos with Western individualism. While existing literature extensively documents the general utility of guanxi, this bibliometric review reveals several novel patterns that challenge traditional assumptions. Originality/value The study is motivated by the growing global significance of China and East Asia, where guanxi plays a critical role in both social and business contexts, and by the need for a systematic synthesis of fragmented research streams.
Ron Berger (Wed,) studied this question.