Why are overseas Chinese job seekers reluctant to work for Chinese-funded companies?
I recently spoke with several job seekers, and one remark left a deep impression on me:
"If I have a choice, I’ll do my best to avoid Chinese-funded companies."
To summarize, there are two main reasons:
1. "Double standards" in management
When dealing with local or foreign staff, bosses tend to be polite and stick to the rules, fearing legal risks or complaints; however, their attitude shifts drastically when dealing with Chinese employees. The mindset is often: "We’re all Chinese, so let’s not stand on ceremony—just get the job done for the sake of the team." Isn't this essentially a form of "gaslighting" (psychological manipulation)?
2. Inefficient internal friction rather than genuine high-intensity work
People aren't afraid of hard work; what they dread is inefficient, unproductive busyness.
Much of the overtime work stems not from a heavy workload, but from a lack of clear planning by management. Decisions are often made hastily, or plans are constantly altered halfway through execution. Employees feel their time is being treated as a "zero-cost tool for trial and error."
It is now 2026. Many Chinese companies have successfully taken their products global, yet their management mindset remains stuck in the past.
This is not merely a matter of cultural differences; it is a question of talent retention. If relationships are maintained through a sense of shared nationality rather than professional respect, companies are destined to lose top talent.
What is your take? Is this situation improving, or is it getting worse?