IMPACT OF SUPERVISOR – SUBORDINATE GUANXI ON THE SUBORDINATE’S PERFORMANCE: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM HIGHER EDUCATIONAL SECTOR

Abstract

This study examines the influence of personal relationships beyond the workplace—captured by the Chinese concept of Guanxi—on employee performance, specifically within the context of Pakistan. Focusing on supervisor–subordinate Guanxi (SSG), which reflects strong interpersonal ties outside of work, the research investigates how these relationships affect employees’ access to job resources, their job crafting behaviors, and overall performance. The proposed framework views SSG as a form of social capital that enhances employees’ autonomy, support, and developmental opportunities, thereby encouraging them to proactively shape their work environment to increase resources and manage job demands. Data collected from 300 employee-supervisor pairs in Pakistani organizations were analyzed using multilevel path modeling. Results show that high-quality SSG positively influences job resources and job crafting efforts. Additionally, job resources mediate the effect of SSG on job crafting, while job crafting, in turn, mediates the impact of SSG on both task performance and organizational citizenship behaviors. These insights emphasize the critical role of informal supervisor-subordinate relationships in enhancing workplace performance and demonstrate how social connections outside of work can significantly shape job-related behaviors and outcomes.