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The Chinese word guanxi distinguishes a kind of relationship that is familiar, consequential for network predictions of performance, and consistent with—but not yet distinguished in—network theory. Phrased in terms of network theory, the Chinese term guanxi can be viewed as a tie that has become strong through its history such that trust within the relationship is high and independent of the surrounding network. As such, a guanxi tie can function on its own as a strong bridge between groups, bypassing the need for structural embedding in third parties. The authors use interviews with a stratified probability sample of Chinese business leaders to look for patterns in the ways they use the term guanxi and the performance relevance of relations they designate guanxi. The discussion positions guanxi within network theory to improve predictions and facilitate unambiguous use of guanxi-like relations as a concept in the …