Difference between revisions of "Hongbao (China)"

In recent time, ''hongbao'' has become a commonly used tool in China for developing [[guanxi]] (an instrumental network of relationships- see this volume), with the specific aim of gaining preferential treatment. The boundary between ''hongbao'' being given as a gift or as a bribe has become blurred. For example, in the context of education it is common for parents to give their child’s teachers a ''hongbao'' on teacher’s day to show their appreciation. In this instance parents give ''hongbao'' as a manifestation of gratitude, and as such, the practice is considered ethical. However, it is also possible for the donating parents to use this act to convey a subtle expectation of receiving some advantage or preferential treatment for their child, such as personal attention or better grades. In this situation, the giving of the gift of ''hongbao'' may be regarded as a bribe. Similarly, a businessman might give ''hongbao'' as a wedding gift to the son or daughter of an influential government official. The ''hongbao'' is given straightforwardly as a wedding gift. However, if shortly after the wedding, the businessman informs the government official euphemistically that he needs a government permit to expand his business, the gift might rightly be construed as a bribe.

In recent time, ''hongbao'' has become a commonly used tool in China for developing [[guanxi]] (an instrumental network of relationships- see this volume), with the specific aim of gaining preferential treatment. The boundary between ''hongbao'' being given as a gift or as a bribe has become blurred. For example, in the context of education it is common for parents to give their child’s teachers a ''hongbao'' on teacher’s day to show their appreciation. In this instance parents give ''hongbao'' as a manifestation of gratitude, and as such, the practice is considered ethical. However, it is also possible for the donating parents to use this act to convey a subtle expectation of receiving some advantage or preferential treatment for their child, such as personal attention or better grades. In this situation, the giving of the gift of ''hongbao'' may be regarded as a bribe. Similarly, a businessman might give ''hongbao'' as a wedding gift to the son or daughter of an influential government official. The ''hongbao'' is given straightforwardly as a wedding gift. However, if shortly after the wedding, the businessman informs the government official euphemistically that he needs a government permit to expand his business, the gift might rightly be construed as a bribe.

Since giving hongbao as a bribe most commonly serves the interaction between businessmen (bribers) and officials (bribe takers), it is easy to see how the private/public boundary is routinely crossed. In China, under the duress of law and social norms, officials are reluctant to accept bribes, so self-justification strategies come into play (Huang 1990: 289-312<ref>Huang, G. 1989. Face: Power Game of Chinese People. (in Chinese) China: Renmin University of China People Press</ref>).

Since giving hongbao as a bribe most commonly serves the interaction between businessmen (bribers) and officials (bribe takers), it is easy to see how the private/public boundary is routinely crossed. In China, under the duress of law and social norms, officials are reluctant to accept bribes, so self-justification strategies come into play (Huang 1990: 289-312<ref>Huang, G. 1989. Face: Power Game of Chinese People. (in Chinese) China: Renmin University of China People Press</ref>).