Exploring Guanxi: Using Interpersonal Competence of Managers in Construction Projects

Abstract

Based on the comparison between Guanxi and western relationship management, this research puts forward the hypothesis of the dimension of interpersonal competence of project manager based on Guanxi, and applies a conceptual framework to measure the interpersonal competence of Chinese construction project manager. Following the standard procedures for scale development and a detailed analysis of 450 data sources, a three-dimensional structural model of the interpersonal competence of project managers is tested and confirmed to be the best fitting model. Therefore, this research developed a scale which can directly assess project manager interpersonal competence. It is not only beneficial to improving the interpersonal competence of project manager, but also provides the reference suggestion that western countries understand Guanxi in project manager job application and western business partners how to abide by the Guanxi traditional.