Abstract
In ethnic Chinese society, interpersonal
relationships significantly influence transaction decisions, contrasting with
Western economic rationality which often neglects the role of "human
relationships". This research introduces a Dual Value Model (DVM) to
explore how Chinese individuals navigate these complex interpersonal dynamics
in transaction decisions. It highlights the integration of Potential Social
Value (PSV), stemming from the counterparty's social status (vertical
relationship) and emotional closeness (horizontal relationship), with Potential
Economic Value (PEV), focusing on the economic outcomes of the transaction.
These two potential values are defined through expectancy theory to facilitate
communal comparison. This duality necessitates a balance, demonstrating a
unique economic-social tradeoff where individuals might accept lower economic
benefits in favor of enhancing or maintaining favorable “Guanxi.” The concept
of "guanxi mark-down (GMD)" and "Compensatory Mark-up (CMU)"
are introduced as strategies employed to steer this balance, reflecting the
social etiquette and economic pragmatism within Chinese transactional behavior.
The research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of Chinese transaction
decision-making, offering insights for guiding interpersonal relationships and
economic considerations in a socio-cultural context deeply influenced by
Confucian principles.
Keywords: Transaction decision, Dual value model (DVM), Potential
social value (PSV), Potential economic value (PEV), Guanxi; Expectancy theory.