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.