When you combine them, the meaning becomes crystal clear: “to tie together a faction to operate for private gain.”
The concept of `结党营私` is deeply ingrained in Chinese political and social thought, standing in direct opposition to the Confucian ideal of public service. For centuries, Chinese history has been filled with tales of court factions scheming against each other, undermining the emperor and the state for their own power and wealth. The ideal official, the `君子 (jūnzǐ)`, is expected to be `大公无私 (dà gōng wú sī)`—selfless and devoted to the public good. `结党营私` is the behavior of the `小人 (xiǎorén)`, the “small person,” who puts personal gain above all else. This is why the term carries such a heavy moral weight. It's not just a description of an action; it's a condemnation of character. Comparison to Western Concepts: A close English equivalent is “cronyism” or “forming a cabal.” However, `结党营私` often implies a more active, deliberate, and conspiratorial act of forming the group. While “cronyism” can sometimes mean passively favoring one's friends, `结党营私` emphasizes the conscious creation of a self-serving alliance. It's less about just “helping your buddies” and more about “building a conspiracy to enrich yourselves.”
This is a formal and serious term. You won't hear it in casual, everyday chat unless someone is being dramatic or discussing the news. Its usage is almost exclusively negative.