The Informal Entanglement of Knowledge, Guanxi and Technology: Evidence from China and a New Theory

Robert M. Davison; Maris G. Martinsons; Carol Xiaojuan Ou

doi:10.5465/AMBPP.2012.12829abstract

The Informal Entanglement of Knowledge, Guanxi and Technology : Evidence from China and a New Theory

Research output: Chapters, Conference Papers, Creative and Literary Works › RGC 32 - Refereed conference paper (with host publication) › peer-review

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Detail(s)

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Academy of Management Proceedings
Editors	Sonia Taneja
Publication status	Published - Jul 2012

Publication series

Name	Academy of Management Proceedings
Publisher	Academy of Management
Number	1
Volume	2012
ISSN (Print)	0065-0668
ISSN (electronic)	2151-6561

Conference

Title	Academy of Management 2012 Annual Conference
Place	United States
City	Boston
Period	3 - 7 August 2012

Link(s)

DOI	DOI https://doi.org/10.5465/AMBPP.2012.12829abstract Final Published version
	Check@CityULib
Attachment(s)	Documents 83495413.pdf Post-print, 390 KB, PDF Publisher's Copyright Statement Copyright of Academy of Management Proceedings is the property of Academy of Management and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. Davison, R. M., Martinsons, M. G., & Ou, C. X. (2012). The Informal Entanglement of Knowledge, Guanxi and Technology: Evidence from China and a New Theory. In S. Taneja (Ed.), Academy of Management Proceedings (Academy of Management Proceedings; Vol. 2012, No.1). https://doi.org/10.5465/AMBPP.2012.12829abstract.
Permanent Link	https://scholars.cityu.edu.hk/en/publications/publication(cd2a701b-5085-4683-b976-420c71e0defa).html

Abstract

Knowledge, guanxi and technology are mutually entangled in the workplace in China. We document how these three concepts interact and pay particular attention to guanxi – the mutually reciprocal relationships that govern Chinese social and work lives. We draw upon multiple sources of evidence to develop six theoretical propositions. Initial validation of the propositions is conducted by studying the working practices of Chinese knowledge workers. Given the lack of non-Western, emic research of how knowledge is sought and shared, we believe that our findings and associated theorising make a significant contribution to the knowledge management (KM) literature. We consider the implications for future KM research and practice and provide specific advice aimed at developing a more global understanding of informal knowledge management.