Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 2, 2025

Bridging Hearts: The Role of Work Organizations in Reducing Social Distance in Sino-Foreign Exchanges

(Abstract)

Wang Wenbin and Cao Yang

People-to-people connectivity is the foundation of Sino-foreign exchanges, with social distance reduction serving as the pathway. As an essential component of Chinese social governance, work organizations play a significant role in fostering social proximity between Chinese and foreign residents. Examining the bidirectional social distances between these groups and analyzing data from the “Chinese General Social Survey” and the “Survey of Foreigners in China” reveals two main findings: first, work organizations help reduce social distance through resource sheltering and expanded interaction; second, large organizations, by leveraging advantages in resource sheltering, can exert a stronger influence on social distance reduction between Chinese and foreign residents. The common roles and distinctive characteristics of work organizations in reducing social distance between Chinese and foreign residents underscore their positive institutional potential in promoting cultural exchanges, societal integration in the new era, and reconstructing the cultural subjectivity of Chinese nation.