China Work Ethics

 Hello Everyone !!

In the context of a rapidly growing economy and a globalized business landscape, work culture plays a pivotal role in China’s professional environment. 

Chinese work culture, deeply rooted in historical and cultural traditions, significantly influences the way businesses operate, how employees interact, and ultimately impacts professional success. 

Some of the primary characteristics of Chinese work ethics are as follows :

1. It is based on the principles of Chinese philosopher Confucius. which demands respect for elderly and perfection in work.

2. Everybody in China strives to do their best and do not depend on government to do everything. They feel themselves to be responsible for their future.

3. They do not live in false ego, do not spend time, money and efforts on useless things, entertainment, religious issues, politics etc.

4. Chinese people are also very competitive and disciplined at work.

5. Work culture in China is characterized by a strong work ethic and a dedication to professional responsibilities. Long working hours are not uncommon, with many professionals going beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. This commitment to work reflects a sense of duty and responsibility, as well as a desire to achieve personal and organizational success. 

6. China is a society of rigid hierarchy, so it is not a surprise that this is reflected in the workplace. Generally speaking, employees in China will not question guidelines or instructions given by the boss or supervisor, unless they have a certain level of understanding of the subject matter. The way of the Chinese apprentice is to listen to your mentor and carry out the duties to the best of your abilities. Sharing opinions or making suggestions is best done after you reach a certain level of capabilities and trust.

7. Guanxi is an important concept in China. It can be translated as a well maintained “network, connection”, and it is also common to see this in the workplace.
Usually, when colleagues do you a favor, you should repay back. And it is also important to show that you are integrated into the team, and willing to be part of it, working together to achieve results.
It is not uncommon to see co-workers hanging out together after work, traveling, or exchanging gifts. Not participating in their invitations can make you appear too self-centered. And in a society where collectivism is more important than individualism, you better ensure that people do not view you as selfish or prudish.

8. A concept connected to the collectivism of Chinese society is that of Humility.

Humility in China has been part of the culture for thousands of years. In the country, group success is exalted more than individual success. And employees tend to be humble when they achieve excellent results within the team, also because they do not want to lose the so-called “face” in front of their colleagues.

9. The 996 wording was introduced in China after Alibaba founder Jack Ma incentivized employees to work harder and longer for better results.

996 means working from 9 in the morning to 9 in the evening for 6 days a week.

Jack Ma’s words highlighted the fact that, especially in the technology sector, working overtime is what has allowed many companies to achieve very high levels of growth in a short time.

Employees at most tech companies are either encouraged or required to put in long, unpaid hours to show their commitment to their jobs and loyalty to the company.

The slowdown in China has resulted in a hiring freeze in the tech sector with more layoffs than usual. This has brought companies, especially in the tech sector, to squeeze more work out of employees or lower costs by cutting down on benefits and bonuses.

The Chinese law is actually very clear about this and it states that the standard working time is 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week.

Businesses must restrict overtime to 36 hours a month.  And an employer may extend working hours due to the business needs, after consulting with the employee union and the employee.

Also with the recent advent of the remote work in China, the rules are pretty much the same.

10. Confidentiality.
The protection of information regarding customers or processes within the company and between the various departments is considered very important in China.

In the western mindset, that is considered as a lack of transparency, but in China, it is considered disrespectful to ask other departments for information if they do not trust you first.

If you push colleagues too hard to share information, you can end up with very vague answers and put yourself in a bad light towards managers.

Thank you for Reading !!