Guanxi influence and talent management in Chinese organisations; evidence from the real estate sector

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Chinese context has been characterised as one where guanxi influence is significant, shaping the choices, considerations, challenges, and consequences of talent management (TM). There is though little empirical research which shows that this is what is experienced, and that guanxi influence does feature prominently. The purpose of our research is to explore experiences of TM in China, and the extent to which the guanxi influence affects TM.Case study research to identify and explore guanxi influence on TM was undertaken in three real estate companies in China. Interviews with managers and employees on how talent is defined, attracted, developed, and retained were analysed for guanxi influence. These show that guanxi influence is clearly present in the experience of TM, though this is not the sole or always dominant influence on choices, considerations, challenges, and consequences. This paper contributes to the TM literature by showing that guanxi influences play important roles in defining, attracting, developing, and retaining talent in the Chinese context and also highlighting both advantages and potential disadvantages of guanxi influence in TM activities.Evidence suggests that guanxi influence is a relevant focus for understanding TM and for framing further research on TM in China. Guanxi influence in this TM context will continue, and by extension in contexts where Chinese organisations develop their presence globally, and adapt to the wider international context of organisation development and change in which best practice TM is a stronger influence.