Guanxi can be a blessing and a curse

I have been told many times that guanxi, or connection, is necessary to find a job in China. I used to be one of those people who believe in this rule, but now I think sometimes guanxi could block your life too.

First, guanxi cannot always support your career path. A friend received three offers for jobs a couple of years ago, but he chose the one he was least interested in because his father was friends with the deputy manager.

However, a competitive relationship between the general manager and deputy general manager cost my friend many opportunities. The general manager rejected my friend's promotion because he doesn't want to help anyone in his colleague's group.