Abstract This paper argues that once a member notices the difficulties that other members encounter in daily interactions, he or she may help them work effectively by providing resources or support them consciously or unconsciously. The data for this study were collected through participatory observations and interviews in a business setting for over a year. Our findings reveal that courtesy and humility extended towards others are two important features of LIRANG in daily interactions in an organization. On the one hand, it is suggested that members who are treated with humility perceive higher personal social status, and build an intimate relationship with others, which contributes to the flow of information in the organization. On the other hand, members who are treated with courtesy may provide support to others in the future, which not only promotes close personal relationship among members but also facilitates the access to services and information in solving organizational problems. Furthermore, this research shows that LIRANG can mobilize potential organizational resources, thus contributes to problem solving and organizational functioning under Chinese traditional culture.
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Received: 30 March 2016
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