Confucius Institutes v2 (1)

18 CONFUCIUS INSTITUTES AND THE GLOBALIZATION OF CHINA’S SOFT POWERNetwork Synergy: Processes of Relationship-BuildingNetwork synergy is the second dimension that is generatedthrough a network communication approach. Network synergyconsists of three inter-related relational processes: internalrelationship-building; external coalition-building; and incorporatingdiversity. China’s CI initiative appears active across all threerelational processes.Internal Bonding and Team-BuildingInternal relationship-building has implications for overallnetwork productivity, coherence, and sustainability. There are twoprominent types of internal relationship-building: bonding and teambuilding.Bonding is important for maintaining network membershipand sustaining the vitality of the overall network. Oftentimes theproblem in developing a network is not getting members to join,but keeping them connected to the network. Much of the literatureassumes shared or mutual interests as a prerequisite for relationshipbuilding.However, this assumption may be rooted in Westernconcepts of individualism and based on the transactional view ofrelationships. Asian research reveals a relational dynamic that beginswith bonding tactics and then proceeds to the cultivation of sharedinterests. 23A second type of internal relational process focuses ontransforming a group of individuals into a team. Whereas a grouprelies on the combined contributions of separate individual membersworking independently, a unified team draws upon a synergisticexchange among the members to multiply their combined impact. 24When network members work together as a team, they create a selfperpetuatingtype of energy, or synergy, that grows exponentially.Task-oriented activities help create a sense of achievement. Socialorientedactivities help create a sense of community. Positiveinterpersonal experiences also can serve to validate and strengthenindividual personal commitment to a team effort.