Knowledge transfer exchange and dynamic Guanxi in Chinese universities

This paper investigates the relevance of guanxi (关系) as a cultural factor in knowledge transfer exchange (KTE), on an individual level, in the Chinese university-industry context. Adopting a qualitative case-study approach, with data from 50 interviews, this work brings a fresh view to the role of social networks as a cultural value in university researchers' participation in KTE activities. In addition, this paper breaks the traditional linear view toward guanxi. Instead, it adopts a dynamic, dialectical, and holistic perspective towards the role of guanxi in KTE processes in the context of Chinese universities. It has been found that during the KTE process, guanxi networks should be balanced with the appropriate infrastructure, qualified staff, and financial investment to obtain successful outcomes. This study enriches the existing literature on the determinants that affect KTE researcher participation by highlighting the role of guanxi as a cultural factor.