Guanxi ’s Influence on Reflection and Perspective Transformation: A Case Study of Chinese College Students’ National Competition Experience

Abstract

This study examined the experiences of nine Chinese engineering students who won first prize in a national team-based competition. By analyzing critical incidents, the study investigated how these experiences shaped students’ understanding of collaborative problem-solving. The findings show that Guanxi, a cultural phenomenon rooted in Chinese society’s collectivist values and practices, influenced the content, focus, and timing of students’ reflections. Initially, students participated in the competition without engaging in reflection. As students progressed through different learning loops, the competition experiences improved their reflections on teamwork and problem-solving skills, resulting in a deeper understanding and a shift in perspective regarding their roles in teamwork. This study extends Mezirow’s transformative learning theory to a non-Western cultural context, demonstrating how cultural values and practices influence reflection and transformative learning outcomes. The findings support the global applicability of transformative learning theory and provide insights for designing culturally responsive training programs.