Is it better to “Stand on Two Boats” or “Sit on the Chinese Lap”?: Examining the cultural contingency of network structures in the contemporary Chinese academic labor market

Abstract

We examine the Chinese academic labor market to understand the cultural contingency of two different network structures: those affording structural holes and those that feature network closure. Empirical results show that the labor market benefits of network structures differ for returnees and domestically trained PhDs throughout their respective careers. Networks affording structural holes are only helpful for returnees' first promotion. Network closure benefits domestically trained PhDs gain their first promotion and subsequent promotions for all PhDs. The importance of cohesive networks of reciprocal favors (guanxi) for Chinese culture shapes the academic labor market for the advanced stages of academic careers.