Table 1 Knowledge flow and theory development
Direction of knowledge flow [M = Metropole; P = Periphery] | Concept–theory relation | Place of guanxi in the theory | Scope of the concept of guanxi |
|---|---|---|---|
M → P | External | Object of explanation (explanandum) | Local relevance only |
M ↔ P | Internal (nondirecting) | Secondary explanatory concept (explanans) | Partial general relevance |
M ← P | Internal (directing) | Primary explanatory concept (explanans) | General relevance |