A Review of Supervisor–Subordinate Guanxi: Current Trends and Future Research

Abstract

Supervisor–subordinate guanxi is an emerging research area in assessing the link between superior and subordinate inside an organization, and due to its significance in the Chinese setting, this topic has become widely attractive. Yet, because this concept still needs attention to understand the dynamics of guanxi, more research on the content, antecedents and other expert opinions of supervisor–subordinate guanxi is required. In light of the literature review, this study will make a commentary on the findings of both domestic and international research on supervisor–subordinate guanxi from the perspective of the following three aspects: supervisor–subordinate guanxi’s content, its antecedents, functions, and its findings. Finally, it will highlight the dearth of recent research and suggest future directions for supervisor–subordinate guanxi research.