Resumen de Guanxi in intercultural communication and public relations

Jan Servaes

• Abstract This article attempts to provide a more scientific overview of the discussion on cultural values in general, and those in China in particular, both from a theoretical perspective as well as exemplified in the reality of public diplomacy or public relations. The concepts of guanxi (inter-relationships) and mianzi (face) are being positioned as essential for an indigenous understanding of the Chinese core value of harmony. The article advocates for an ‘Asiacentric’ model of public relations.