Philippine E-Journals

Sociocultural and Moral Values of Guanxi: A Philosophiconormative Approach to Global Applied Ethics

Jose Mario B. Maximiano

Discipline: Philosophy, Ethics

 

Abstract:

Philosophers, on the theoretical level, as well as foreign investors and business executives, on the practical level, can no longer avoid dealing with the moral reasoning and ethical dilemmas associated with guanxi. Accordingly, this paper attempts to discuss guanxi as one of the most challenging ethical issues facing foreign firms in China today. While guanxi is a cultural value acceptable in the Chinese market, its abuse can lead to unethical practices,such as dishonesty, bribery, and big-time corruption. Based on the methodology of applying critical reviews and meta-analysis of selected Asian studies published between 1999 and 2005, the author’s intent is to clarify issues surrounding guanxi using its potential abuse and ethico-moral consequences as points of departure in pursuing a discussion on global ethics.