Norm Of Reciprocity Research Articles

Identifying critical elements in using Question Prompt Lists at the pharmacy counter to induce patient activation—using principles of conversation analysis

BackgroundThe incorporation of Question Prompt Lists (QPLs) into pharmacy interactions has been tested as an innovative strategy aimed at enhancing patient engagement and addressing personal information needs. However, there is a gap in understanding regarding how QPLs induce or reduce patient activation and contribute to improved medical treatment. The specific aim of the study was therefore to qualitatively describe how pharmacy encounters in which QPL are introduced unfold, in order to identify and discuss relevant interactional mechanisms that induce or reduce patient activation. MethodsThe QPL, which includes questions about usage, interaction, side effects, and follow-up, was introduced to patients during pharmacy encounters. Employing a qualitative inductive approach based on principles from conversation analysis (CA), audio-recordings from 56 QPL encounters in community pharmacies were transcribed and thematically analysed. ResultsMost meetings began with along initiation phase focused on determining which medications to take home. This was followed by an introduction to the QPL and a natural break where the pharmacist left to get the medicines, giving the patient an opportunity to contemplate their needs, as prompted by the QPL. While the QPL itself was not explicitly explained or discussed, the majority of patients asked questions and shared personal information. Even those who were disinterested felt compelled to justify their stance, demonstrating the influence of the norm of reciprocity. However, instances of unsolicited information provision by the pharmacist, were still identified. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that Question Prompt Lists (QPLs) can enhance patient activation in pharmacy encounters, even without detailed explanations, but their impact is not straightforward. The presence of the QPL encouraged patients to engage, share personal information, and ask questions. These findings suggest that QPLs can create opportunities for patient involvement, even in brief pharmacy interactions.

Unpacking Province Creation in The Philippines

To enhance service delivery and local democracy, legislators have tinkered with size or status of local governments in the Philippines. This elasticity in local borders has been more evident at the province level, the highest local government tier. Since 1987, a new province is birthed roughly every three years. As the determinants and mechanisms of contemporary province fragmentation are under-examined, this article investigates, at several policymaking levels and dimensions, attempts to redraw borders of Philippine provinces. Framed by an institutional framework and a case-study approach, and employing a veto-player analysis, heuristic cases of two provinces (Quezon and Zamboanga del Sur) were unpacked and compared. Findings reveal that there is a large and fragmented veto-player group in the area of territorial rescaling of provinces. Congruence of preferences among veto players was observed to be influenced by territorial leveraging, pivot on networks and reciprocity norm, and mirroring of preferences. The tenacity and strategic actions of reform agent or policy entrepreneur (usually the congressman), sometimes assisted by social movement, is likewise found crucial in the pathways leading to reform outcomes. In a simple cross-case analysis of recent reform attempts, findings also suggest that the provinces’ core-periphery location pattern, and proposed type of spatio-jurisdictional partition are associated with reform outcomes.

Psychological Contracts: Changing Relational Levels, a Dynamic Model for a Changing Environment

This paper examines the issue of change in the relational level of employer-based psychological contracts. Based on prior research in Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB), Social Exchange Theory, and the Norm of Reciprocity, a dynamic model is developed to explain how contract-level changes take place within the relationship. The model also identifies subsequent employee attitudes and behaviors and offers two new relational modalities, “at risk” and “mercenary,” to explicate relational conditions that had not previously been recognized. We conclude by examining the various issues surrounding employee-employer relations and their importance to firm performance and job satisfaction.

Shaping extra-role security behaviors through employee-agent relations: A dual-channel motivational perspective

Organizational information security performance increasingly depends on employees’ extra-role security behaviors (ERBs), which go beyond the scope of formal organizational prescription and control. At the same time, however, the literature suggests ERBs are largely unresponsive to traditional outline-and-control approaches to behavioral security. Instead, this stream finds that ERBs are primarily cultivated through social interactions with other organizational agents, namely the IS department and the direct supervisor. While important progress has been made in explicating the social nature of ERBs and the organizational agents that shape it, little is currently understood about the attributes of these employee-agent relationships that give rise to their influence on ERB enactment. Tied to this void, review of the literature reveals two separate and fundamentally different explanations of relational influence in this context which, according to theory, are associated with different relational attributes. Responding to these gaps, the current study presents a mixed-method examination of the relational antecedents of ERB enactment. We first theoretically develop and quantitatively examine a dual-channel model of socially motivated ERB enactment that highlights two co-existing motivational channels—an exchange-based channel rooted in norms of reciprocity and an identity-based channel rooted in self-verification. Then, applying the findings from quantitative examination of the dual-channel model, we qualitatively examine the specific attributes of these employee-agent relationships that promote ERB enactment. In doing so, this study makes multiple contributions to the literature including unification of prior work in this stream and introduction of detailed profiles of effective employee-agent relationships in this context.

Intergroup revenge and forgiveness as reactions to negative reciprocity

PurposeThis study aims to understand factors that explain the use of revenge and forgiveness by Hindu and Muslim group members in reaction to the rival group’s negative reciprocal behaviour based on norms of negative reciprocity.Design/methodology/approachParticipants from Hindu (n = 175) and Muslim (n = 134) groups in India were presented with two norm-violating situations. Situation 1 involved an intergroup episode and Situation 2 involved an inter-community episode. Their own group members had engaged in the violation of the norms of the other group to which the rival group members had responded negatively. Participants anticipated the likelihood of their group members using revenge or forgiveness in response to the other group’s negative reaction. These reactions were predicted by religious, political and cultural identities, fraternalistic relative deprivation (FRD), relative power, anger and hate, and perception of the appropriateness of their reaction.FindingsSocial identities predicted intergroup revenge and forgiveness differently for the two groups in the two situations. The stronger religious identity of Muslims, not of Hindus, reduced the likelihood of their using revenge but increased it for forgiveness in both situations. Political identity associated positively with forgiveness in Situation 2 for both groups. Cultural identity predicted the likelihood of Muslims opting for forgiveness in both situations. FRD was not a significant predictor of revenge or forgiveness for Muslims. In the case of Hindus, it reduced the likelihood of their engaging in forgiveness in Situation 2. Relative power associated positively with the likelihood of Muslims, not Hindus, using revenge in both situations. Anger increased the possibility of Hindus reacting in revenge, as well as, forgiveness in the two situations. Anger did not predict revenge for Muslims but it related negatively with forgiveness in the two situations. Stronger hate was associated with revenge for Muslims. The choice of using revenge or forgiveness by own group members was positively predicted by the norms of negative reciprocity for both Hindus and Muslims.Research limitations/implicationsThe study used a convenience sample of young people which reduces the generalizability of the findings.Social implicationsThe findings of this study have implications for designing interventions for resolving intergroup conflicts in various social settings.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the norm violation theory of intergroup relations by focusing on counter-reactions and the understanding of the dynamics of intergroup conflicts.

Remote employee work performance in the meta COVID-19 era: evidence from Greece

PurposeBy drawing on the reciprocity norm and the employee engagement theory, the aim of this study is to investigate the influence of workplace characteristics (e.g. individual, job, group and organizational levels) on remote employee work performance (i.e. task, adaptive and proactive) and to examine the potential role of work engagement.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through a phased investigation in a branch of a multinational telecommunication company located in Greece. The research was carried out from September 2022 to December 2022. Firstly, 364 exclusively remote employees completed questionnaires examining work-related characteristics (i.e. change self-efficacy, work autonomy and perceived organizational support (POS)) as well as their work engagement. Consequently, their supervisors evaluated their work performance. The research model was tested with the use of structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe research findings suggest that change self-efficacy, work autonomy, support from supervisors and organizational support positively influence employee work engagement as well as that work engagement mediates the relationship among change self-efficacy, support from supervisors, organizational support and employee work performance (i.e. task and adaptive). Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that if organizations manage to influence positively their employees’ work engagement by providing them with the necessary conditions and support (i.e. individual, group and organizational levels), they may increase their work performance in changing and complex times.Originality/valueThe research findings provide new insights into how workplace characteristics and work engagement may influence employee performance during turbulent times. The originality of this study lies in the finding that employees’ work engagement mediates the relationship among change self-efficacy, support from supervisors, organizational support and employee work performance (i.e. task and adaptive). Further, the study refers to exclusively remote employees, and it was conducted in the meta coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) era.

Social role of the ‘Bow-Wow Patrol’ in urban areas of Japan: a qualitative study

The ‘Bow-Wow Patrol (BWP)’, established to avert local crime by encouraging dog walking, may help build social relationships among individuals through dog walking. However, details of its social influence remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the social roles of BWP in the urban areas of Japan. A total of 18 BWP organisation members from two Tokyo municipalities were recruited using snowball sampling between November 2021 and July 2022. In an interview, participants were asked about their perceptions of changes in their social relationships through the BWP. Qualitative content analysis was conducted after text mining using the KH Coder software. The mean age of the participants was 63.9 years, and 83.3% engaged in BWP 7 days a week. The content analysis revealed six social roles of the BWP: establishment of social networks with schools as the centre, establishment of loose networks inside and outside the BWP organization, enhancement of a sense of trust among neighbours, enhancement of a sense of trust in communities, norms of reciprocity among dog owners, and dog and owner characteristics. This study found that the BWP in urban Japan strengthens social cohesion and expands social networks among dog walkers, encouraging them to continue walking.

The impact of a compressed workweek on shareholder value: An event study analysis of Belgium's 4‐day workweek legislation

AbstractWhile the compressed workweek (CWW) has gained traction in recent years, its impact on firms' financial performance is not well understood. This study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the effect of the CWW on shareholder value. Drawing on social exchange theory and its norm of reciprocity, we introduce a conceptual model on the main effect of the CWW on shareholder value, and the moderating roles of the anticipated type and degree of employee reciprocation. To test the model's predictions, we exploit the announcement of Belgium's mandatory adoption of a CWW in February 2022 as the setting for a policy event study analysis. We find positive average stock price reactions of Belgian listed firms to the CWW's announcement, consistent with investors expecting the CWW to result in favorable employee reciprocation. Stock price reactions are more positive for firms with a lower ex ante employee productivity, suggesting employees are predicted to reciprocate with higher efforts. Stock price reactions are also more positive for firms with a higher reliance on knowledge workers, consistent with these employees deriving a greater utility from flexible working arrangements. Robustness tests, including a placebo analysis and an event study of international firms with Belgian subsidiaries, corroborate our results. Our study offers several theoretical contributions and has practical implications for HR managers and policymakers.

Exploring community satisfaction, identification and reciprocity norm for customer value co-creation: insights from virtual brand communities

Exploring community satisfaction, identification and reciprocity norm for customer value co-creation: insights from virtual brand communities

Gifts to incentivise donations from young consumers: an ethical tension

Purpose To increase charitable donations, not-for-profit organisations sometimes include a pre-giving incentive such as a monetary gift alongside a request to donate. Little is known about how monetary pre-giving incentives impact subsequent donation intentions, particularly for young consumers who are an important market for the not-for-profit sector. Using the principles of reciprocity, this paper aims to examine whether the value of monetary pre-giving incentives induces obligation (i.e. a negative psychological state) and/or gratitude (i.e. a positive psychological state) and whether this subsequently impact young consumers’ initial donation amount and future donation intention. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a one-factor, three-level between-subjects experimental design (n = 274) to test the effect of different values of pre-giving incentives on gratitude, obligation, initial donation amount and future donation intentions of young consumers. Findings Higher value pre-giving incentives increase young consumers’ experience of obligation and subsequent donation intention as well as future donation intention. Unexpectedly, gratitude towards the organisation was not influenced by the value of the pre-giving incentive but did increase obligation. Originality/value This research highlights an ethical tension about the use of pre-giving incentives to solicit donations from young consumers: while this strategy is effective, it activates an obligation that can negatively impact young consumers’ wellbeing. As such, it also contributes to extending the limited empirical examination of the ethics of fundraising. Theoretically, this research extends understanding of the distinct but simultaneous mechanisms of gratitude and obligation, which has not received sufficient research attention, generated by the norm of reciprocity within the not-for-profit context.

In the frontier zone of market transition: Economic possibilities across the market/non-market divide

This paper engages with two important approaches theorising the co-existence and even close entanglement between the market and non-market to rethink the making of actually existing market economies. The first, that is, the diverse/community economies approach, underscores alternative relations and ethics to capitalism but often views community economies as external to market processes. A second approach on market frontiers rejects the idea of the non-market domain as a Utopian space but re-imagines it as a constituent part within capitalism, while powerful actors manage and utilise non-market differences to configure particular regimes of accumulation. However, it says relatively little about how the market/non-market divide is navigated and appropriated to suit the wellbeing of grassroots people and communities. This paper calls for a dialogue between the two approaches and argues that community economies provide important ‘background conditions of possibility’ for ordinary people to advance their needs, interests, and wellbeing by negotiating or traversing the market/non-market divide. Our empirical study investigates recent socioeconomic transformations in two villages, Lolong and Nyiru, located within the Potatso National Park, Yunnan Province, China. In both villages, local people keep alive communal norms of reciprocity and mutual support. The persistence of the non-marketised community economies is partly attributed to a state-capital coalition that outlaws grassroots participation in local tourism economy. Subsequently, villagers devise a number of tactics to penetrate the market realm and meet emerging lifestyle and consumer needs. Three of such tactics are discussed in this study.

Gratitude letters to nature: Effects on self-nature representations and pro-environmental behavioral intentions

Although gratitude is often defined as an emotion that motivates reciprocity and social connectedness, people can also experience gratitude to nonhuman entities such as nature. Despite expressions of gratitude to nature being common in many cultures, little research has examined its implications for sustainability. In two studies, we explored how writing letters of gratitude to nature increase pro-environmental behavior by leading people to see nature as large and by leading to more inclusion of nature in one's self-concept. Study 1 compared the effects of nature gratitude letters to gratitude letters to built environments and to a control condition, finding that nature gratitude letters led to greater inclusion of nature in self and greater perceptions of nature size. Although there was no direct effect on intentions to act pro-environmentally, nature gratitude letters had indirect effects leading to greater pro-environmental intentions via both increased nature size and nature inclusion. Study 2 replicated these findings and explored two potential moderators: biospheric value orientation and personal norms of positive reciprocity. Replicating Study 1, nature gratitude letters led to more nature inclusion and greater nature size, and they produced stronger self-transcendent emotions and more pro-environmental behavioral intentions. Further, an interaction showed that the benefits of nature gratitude letters on pro-environmental behavioral intentions was only significant among those with relatively greater endorsement of biospheric values. Implications for sustainability and emotions research are discussed.

B2B informal networking influences on relational outcomes in emerging and developed nations: a multiregional empirical study

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how indigenous socio-cultural (ISC) practices within informal networks, such as guanxi and wasta, provide benefits beyond mere access. Specifically, the authors explore their global impact on B2B relationships, focusing on reciprocity. A multiregional sample extends research on ISC practices in B2B relationships by examining contingency effects of informal network ties.Design/methodology/approachThe authors surveyed 404 buyers in two developed (Hong Kong and Portugal) and two emerging economies (Kuwait and Colombia), and also categorized by strong and weak informal network ties. Using structural equation modeling, the authors examined a relationship marketing (RM) model from a typology (Clubs, Sociocracies, Clans and Compadres) for assessing contingency effects.FindingsThe study reveals that in developed economies with strong formal institutions, negative aspects of favor reciprocity norms intensify unless informal networks are driven by strict sociomoral obligations. This supports research indicating that contractual governance competes rather than complements relational governance. Moreover, trust-building processes are crucial in regions with low uncertainty tolerance to mitigate adverse effects.Practical implicationsSuppliers from developed nations need more than cultural communication insights when engaging in business in emerging markets. We acknowledge changes buyers may expect adherence to reciprocity rules embedded in the ISC practices of their informal networks.Originality/valueThis study pioneers a typology of social structures to analyze ISC practices across buyers with varying formal institutional strength and informal network ties. It sheds light on institutional dynamics, trust-building processes, and nuances surrounding both positive and negative aspects of reciprocity practices. Furthermore, it broadens the scope of RM to Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

Experiences of family caregivers in dealing with cases of advanced breast cancer: a qualitative study of the sociocultural context in Punjab, Pakistan

BackgroundPatients with advanced breast cancer require consistent help and support from family caregivers. These caregivers often endure financial burdens and psychological stress, with their experiences significantly influenced by sociocultural factors. This study aims to explore the experiences of family caregivers of advanced breast cancer patients in Punjab province, Pakistan.MethodsData was collected through in-depth interviews with fifteen family caregivers of advanced breast cancer patients in three major cities of Punjab, Pakistan. Caregivers, who had been in close contact with the patient for the last two years, were purposively sampled from five major hospitals. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe study revealed that the experiences of family caregivers are deeply rooted in the sociocultural context. Key themes identified include social responsibility and cultural reciprocity norms; limited awareness and mobility options for caregivers; financial responsibility and strain; impacts of beauty myths and shyness on caregiving attitudes and decisions; the stressful and emotional nature of caregiving; treatment perspectives influenced by social groups; challenges in consulting male physicians and associated stigma; the role of religious beliefs in caregiving; and stress management, with religion often being a coping mechanism. These factors can contribute to delayed treatment decisions for patients.ConclusionsFamily caregivers are crucial in facilitating timely treatment decisions for advanced breast cancer patients in the Pakistani context. To minimize treatment delays and alleviate caregiver stress, addressing sociocultural barriers in care-seeking is essential. A tailored approach, considering sociocultural and religious factors, is imperative for the management and early diagnosis of breast cancer, necessitating appropriate policymaking and implementation.

Understanding reciprocity in human–robot interactions through completion of a pregiving favor

In today’s world, understanding how people interact with humanoid social robots is important for day-to-day interactions and design purposes. A phasic, between-subjects, psychophysiological experiment (N = 72) examined how the norm of reciprocity influenced interactions with the humanoid social robot, “Pepper”. Facial electromyography (zygomatic and corrugator) was measured to determine participant’s emotional valence during interaction. The level of reciprocity in response to a pregiving favor was measured by the number of raffle tickets purchased by participants at the robot’s request. Results suggest that the social rule of reciprocation exists within human–robot interaction. When Pepper offered a pregiving favor to a participant, that person was more likely to reciprocate via the robot’s later ticket purchase request. Contributions to theory and design of humanoid social robots are discussed, as well as avenues for future research.

Help-seeking preference in obtaining social support for older adults in depopulated areas.

To clarify the circumstances of help-seeking preference among older adults in depopulated areas and the relationship between help-seeking preference and social support. This was a cross-sectional study that included a sample of 271 men and women aged 65-79 years living in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess help-seeking preference, social cohesion (community trust, norms of reciprocity and community attachment), socialising (interaction with neighbors and social network) and social support. Multiple regression analysis was performed with items that were found to be significantly associated with social support in the univariate analysis. Then, we examined the significance of the change in the coefficient of determination between a model that included help-seeking preference as an independent variable and a model that did not. Social support was related to help-seeking preference, living arrangements, economic status, norms of reciprocity and social networks. There was a significant difference in the coefficient of determination between the models with and without help-seeking preference. For older adults in depopulated areas to obtain social support, it is important to build trusting relationships with others and shows a willingness to seek and accept help.

Linking neighborhood green spaces to loneliness among elderly residents—A path analysis of social capital

Population aging poses a central challenge to human society in the 21st century, and a notable correlation has been found between loneliness and age, particularly old age. Loneliness not only substantially impacts the physical and mental well-being of elderly residents but also escalates the burden of old-age care and medical services. As the global trend of aging continues to intensify, tackling population aging and its associated problems has become a common strategic choice of nations worldwide. Grounded in the mediating effect of social capital, this paper explores both the impact and mechanism by which the use of neighborhood green spaces mitigates loneliness among elderly residents. The findings show that, in terms of overall effects, the use of neighborhood green spaces effectively mitigates negative living conditions and psychological problems, thereby fostering the alleviation of loneliness in elderly residents. From a mediating effects perspective, relationship networks, interpersonal trust, and reciprocity norms within social capital play distinct roles in the relationship between the use of neighborhood green spaces and the reduction of loneliness in elderly residents. The direct effect is not statistically significant, which implies a comprehensive mediating role of social capital. In aging neighborhoods, it is imperative to recognize the role of green spaces in promoting elderly well-being and to ensure ample provision of such spaces. Additionally, considering the decline in physical functions among elderly residents, it is crucial to acknowledge their unique sensory thresholds and usage characteristics and compare these to other age groups. Thus, implementing appropriate aging-friendly reforms in green space planning becomes essential to align the allocation of green space resources with the specific needs of elderly residents while catering to the broader population.

Elevating low-effort engagement to cultivate stronger community commitment: A study of social capital within Instagram's brand community

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the role of social capital in enhancing the engagement of community members, specifically transitioning them from low-effort participation to higher levels of commitment toward the community.Design/methodology: This study presents the results derived from a quantitative analysis of 483 participants across diverse automotive brand communities found on Instagram.Findings: Based on the foundation of social capital theory, this research enquires into the effects of shared relational elements of social capital on the commitment of members to communities. The results indicate that when members perceive an adequate degree of social trust and adhere to a recognized norm of reciprocity, there is a notable influence on the potential for heightened commitment to the community.Research limitations/implications: This study solely focused on a specific type of social media, underscoring the prominent role of visual presentation style as the primary approach in content creation. As a result, this has a notable impact on the mechanism of social interaction among users.Originality/value: In visually oriented settings such as Instagram, the barriers to participating in social interactions are noticeably reduced. Consequently, activities that require only minimal engagement effort have a higher probability of evolving into more profound and intensified forms of social exchange among community members. This, in turn, greatly facilitates the cultivation of social trust and the establishment of a norm of reciprocity.

Unlocking the relationships between developmental human resource practices, psychological collectivism and knowledge hiding: the moderating role of affective organizational commitment

PurposeThis study aims to draw on social exchange theory and reciprocity norm to examine the direct effects and mechanisms through which developmental human resources (HR) practices influence employee knowledge hiding behaviors. Additionally, the authors investigate the mediating role of psychological collectivism and the moderating role of affective organizational commitment.Design/methodology/approachTo test the research model, the authors employed a three-stage time-lagged study design and surveyed a sample of 302 employees in China. The authors utilized confirmatory factor analysis, hierarchical regression analysis and the bootstrapping method using statistical product and service solutions (SPSS) and analysis of moment structures (AMOS) to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe findings indicate the following: (1) Developmental HR practices are negatively associated with playing dumb and evasive hiding, but positively linked with rationalized hiding; (2) Psychological collectivism serves as a mediating factor in the relationship between developmental HR practices and knowledge hiding; (3) Affective organizational commitment not only moderates the relationship between developmental HR practices and psychological collectivism, but also reinforces the indirect impact of developmental HR practices on knowledge hiding.Originality/valueThis study offers a fresh perspective on previous research regarding the impact of developmental HR practices on employee behavior. Furthermore, it provides practical recommendations for organizations to enhance knowledge management by fostering stronger emotional connections between employees and the organization.

The role of Guanxi in fostering adaptability and work engagement among educators in international educational institutions.

The present study delves into the intricate relationships between individual adaptability, various dimensions of Guanxi-Ganqing, Renqing, and Xinren-and work engagement among educators working in international educational institutions across major cities in China. Guanxi refers to complex system of social networks and influential relationships that facilitate business and other dealings. Ganqing, Renqing, and Xinren represents distinct but interconnected dimensions. Ganqing refers to the emotional bonding or personal affection that is developed within a Guanxi relationship. Renqing can be understood as the norm of reciprocity or the social obligation to respond to another's needs and to maintain the balance of give and take in relationships. Finally, Xinren: This dimension represents trust and credibility in Guanxi relationships. Employing online data collection via the Qualtrics platform, the study investigates the impact of individual adaptability on work engagement, particularly examining the mediating roles of different Guanxi dimensions. Utilizing Hayes' Process Model 80 for mediation analysis, our findings demonstrate a statistically significant direct effect of individual adaptability on work engagement, thus supporting Hypothesis 1 (H1). The analysis reveals that this relationship is partially mediated by other variables within our model. Significantly, the study highlights the nuanced roles of the Guanxi dimensions of Ganqing, Renqing, and Xinren in this context. Both Ganqing and Renqing were found to amplify the effect of individual adaptability on work engagement, confirming Hypotheses 2a and 2b. However, while Xinren increased the effect size, it did not significantly mediate the relationship between individual adaptability and work engagement, leading to the rejection of Hypothesis 2c. Furthermore, our research provides new insights into the interplay between these Guanxi dimensions. Specifically, Ganqing and Renqing significantly influenced Xinren, which in turn impacted work engagement, thereby supporting Hypotheses 3a and 3b. This mediated chain model suggests a more complex interaction between these factors than previously understood. Our analysis also reveals the differential impacts of these Guanxi dimensions. Notably, Ganqing exhibited a greater influence on work engagement compared to Renqing and Xinren. This finding underscores the critical role of affective bonds in social ties and their importance in enhancing work engagement. These results, robust across statistical metrics including R, R-squared, MSE, F, and p-values, are detailed in our results section and illustrated in Figure 3. The study contributes to the understanding of how individual adaptability and various Guanxi dimensions interact to influence work engagement, offering valuable insights for both academic research and practical application in organizational settings. These findings are contextualized within Confucian values and the ongoing internationalization of education. The study thus advances the theoretical discourse while offering practical recommendations for educators and institutional policies. Limitations and future research directions are also elaborated.