Is cronyism always negative? A model of organizational appointment based on structure of guanxi

This paper explores the trait of superiors behavior in appointing subordinate and examines the rationality of cronyism from a new angle of view. Focusing on the exploration of the origin of cronyism, potential objects of organizational appointment are divided into four parts: person with loyalty guanxi, person with little guanxi, person with geo-likeness guanxi, and person with blood guanxi. What kind of subordinate would be appointed more depends on the superiors´ value rules and a loyalty guanxi between them is principal. Then a model of organizational appointment from a perspective of structure of guanxi is proposed. Especially, this paper analyzes the wrapping effect of organizational culture (value) against superiors´ value in organizational appointment. This study is useful for organization member to understand the phenomenon of organizational appointment well and promoting positive organizational behavior in organizations.