4 ms·

Don Corleone: We have known each other many years, but this is the first time you've come to me for counsel or for help. I can't remember the last time you invi

Don Corleone: We have known each other many years, but this is the first time you've come to me for counsel or for help. I can't remember the last time you invited me to your house for a cup of coffee, even though my wife is godmother to your only child. But let's be frank here. You never wanted my friendship. And you feared to be in my debt.

hkmurakami 10y ago
Genuine question: is that quote an example of this? >Guanxi largely originates from the Chinese social philosophy of Confucianism, which stresses the importance of associating oneself with others in a hierarchical manner, in order to maintain social and economic order. Particularly, there is an emphasis on implicit mutual obligations, reciprocity, and trust, which are the foundations of guanxi and guanxi networks. The "hierarchical" part seems to be crucially lacking in your example. A good example imo of Guanxi networks in the West are College Alumni Networks, as well as the more recent but analogous Startup Accelerator Network. The "older/younger class" relationship makes these Hierarchical.
- pcr0 10y ago
  How is the hierarchial part lacking? Clearly the Godfather is in a higher position, as a result of simply having more associations and mutual favors than anyone else.
  - hkmurakami 10y ago
    Hmm, the "non-official" nature of the power relationship lead me to think otherwise, but I now see your position. (I do still think that Guanxi manifests itself in more "officially connected" ways -- but maybe I just don't know the Mafia hierarchy well enough!) Thanks for clarifying.
- ekianjo 10y ago
  > But let's be frank here. You never wanted my friendship. And you feared to be in my debt. This is the part hinting at the fact that Don Corleone is in a higher position of power. And since this is Don Corleone speaking, you are missing the way he is being adressed by the one asking the favor - clearly looking up to him. Hierchical power structures are not just a part of Confucianism, there are everywhere around the globe.

hkmurakami 10y ago

Genuine question: is that quote an example of this? >Guanxi largely originates from the Chinese social philosophy of Confucianism, which stresses the importance of associating oneself with others in a hierarchical manner, in order to maintain social and economic order. Particularly, there is an emphasis on implicit mutual obligations, reciprocity, and trust, which are the foundations of guanxi and guanxi networks. The "hierarchical" part seems to be crucially lacking in your example. A good example imo of Guanxi networks in the West are College Alumni Networks, as well as the more recent but analogous Startup Accelerator Network. The "older/younger class" relationship makes these Hierarchical.

pcr0 10y ago
How is the hierarchial part lacking? Clearly the Godfather is in a higher position, as a result of simply having more associations and mutual favors than anyone else.
- hkmurakami 10y ago
  Hmm, the "non-official" nature of the power relationship lead me to think otherwise, but I now see your position. (I do still think that Guanxi manifests itself in more "officially connected" ways -- but maybe I just don't know the Mafia hierarchy well enough!) Thanks for clarifying.
ekianjo 10y ago
> But let's be frank here. You never wanted my friendship. And you feared to be in my debt. This is the part hinting at the fact that Don Corleone is in a higher position of power. And since this is Don Corleone speaking, you are missing the way he is being adressed by the one asking the favor - clearly looking up to him. Hierchical power structures are not just a part of Confucianism, there are everywhere around the globe.