Guanxi  ('Guanshi' - Relationship)

    This term simply refers to reciprocal friendships, but should not be mistaken as an informal point system. As in any normal friendship, nothing is expected, but help is offered when needed and there is no score or 'keeping track' of who does what for whom, as long as both parties feel they are not taking advantage of one another. It is perhaps a more formal term than simply relationship, as kindness, being polite and helpful are all tenets of Chinese traditional culture and have a stronger meaning in Taiwan than in the west.

     If you are doing business with local people or need help with some matter, such as trying to move your apartment or get something repaired or delivered, you are better off trying to form good guanxi with the other party to help them speed up the process and get things done. This cuts pretty much across the board for almost anything in daily life in Taiwan, in other words, don't burn bridges...