The perception that Chinese people work very hard and that the companies they manage are highly standardized is a common one in global business circles. This is not merely a stereotype; it is a reality deeply rooted in a unique combination of cultural values, historical context, and modern economic ambition. Understanding this phenomenon requires looking beyond the surface to see the driving forces behind China's remarkable economic rise.

The Cultural Foundation of Hard Work (吃苦耐劳 - Chīkǔnàiláo)

The Chinese work ethic is often summarized by the phrase "吃苦耐劳" (chīkǔnàiláo), which means the ability to endure hardship and work diligently. This principle is a cornerstone of Chinese culture, influenced by:

1. Confucian Values: Confucianism emphasizes duty, discipline, and respect for hierarchy. Fulfilling one's role with diligence and perseverance is seen as a moral virtue. This translates into a strong sense of responsibility towards one's family, company, and country.

2. Historical Scarcity: For much of its modern history, China faced significant challenges and scarcity. This environment fostered a collective mindset that survival and prosperity could only be achieved through relentless effort and thrift. While China is now more prosperous, this ingrained mentality persists.

3. Pragmatism and Upward Mobility: In contemporary China, hard work is viewed as the primary vehicle for personal and familial advancement. With a highly competitive education system and job market, individuals are motivated from a young age to strive for excellence to secure a better future. The famous "9-9-6" work schedule (9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week), though controversial and now discouraged by government policy, was a stark example of this intense commitment.

The Drive for Standardization and Scale

The second part of the observation—highly standardized companies—is a more modern development, crucial for managing complexity and achieving massive scale.

1. Systematic Management for Growth: As Chinese companies evolved from small family workshops to massive multinational corporations, they needed systems that could be replicated across vast geographies and huge workforces. Standardized processes in manufacturing, supply chain management, and quality control became essential for efficiency and consistency. This is epitomized by China's manufacturing prowess, where precision and repetition are key to delivering products at an unprecedented scale.

2. Technology and Process Integration: Chinese tech giants like Alibaba, Tencent, and Huawei are not just innovative; they are masters of process. They have developed intricate, data-driven systems to manage everything from digital payments and logistics to user engagement. This operational excellence allows them to roll out and manage services for hundreds of millions of users simultaneously.

3. Government Influence and "China Standards": The Chinese government plays a significant role in shaping corporate behavior. Through Five-Year Plans and industrial policies, it encourages—and sometimes mandates—certain standards in technology, environmental protection, and corporate governance. Furthermore, there is a strong national push to develop "China Standards" (中国标准) in areas like 5G and artificial intelligence, aiming to set the global benchmark rather than follow it.

A Nuanced Reality: Balancing Tradition and Modernity

It is important to view this topic with nuance.

• Generational Shift: While the hard work ethic remains strong, younger generations are increasingly valuing work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and mental well-being. The government's recent crackdown on the "996" culture reflects an official recognition of the need for sustainable development.

• Innovation vs. Standardization: Standardization can sometimes be mistaken for a lack of creativity. However, Chinese companies have demonstrated that strong processes can actually provide a foundation for rapid innovation. They standardize what works and then iterate and innovate at a breathtaking pace.

• Not a Monolith: The business culture can vary significantly between a state-owned enterprise in Beijing, a tech startup in Shenzhen, and a traditional manufacturing family business in Zhejiang.

刚才，Alex Holland说：

The perception that Chinese people work very hard and that the companies they manage are highly standardized is a common one in global business circles. This is not merely a stereotype; it is a reality deeply rooted in a unique combination of cultural values, historical context, and modern economic ambition. Understanding this phenomenon requires looking beyond the surface to see the driving forces behind China's remarkable economic rise.

The Cultural Foundation of Hard Work (吃苦耐劳 - Chīkǔnàiláo)

The Chinese work ethic is often summarized by the phrase "吃苦耐劳" (chīkǔnàiláo), which means the ability to endure hardship and work diligently. This principle is a cornerstone of Chinese culture, influenced by:

1. Confucian Values: Confucianism emphasizes duty, discipline, and respect for hierarchy. Fulfilling one's role with diligence and perseverance is seen as a moral virtue. This translates into a strong sense of responsibility towards one's family, company, and country.

2. Historical Scarcity: For much of its modern history, China faced significant challenges and scarcity. This environment fostered a collective mindset that survival and prosperity could only be achieved through relentless effort and thrift. While China is now more prosperous, this ingrained mentality persists.

3. Pragmatism and Upward Mobility: In contemporary China, hard work is viewed as the primary vehicle for personal and familial advancement. With a highly competitive education system and job market, individuals are motivated from a young age to strive for excellence to secure a better future. The famous "9-9-6" work schedule (9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week), though controversial and now discouraged by government policy, was a stark example of this intense commitment.

The Drive for Standardization and Scale

The second part of the observation—highly standardized companies—is a more modern development, crucial for managing complexity and achieving massive scale.

1. Systematic Management for Growth: As Chinese companies evolved from small family workshops to massive multinational corporations, they needed systems that could be replicated across vast geographies and huge workforces. Standardized processes in manufacturing, supply chain management, and quality control became essential for efficiency and consistency. This is epitomized by China's manufacturing prowess, where precision and repetition are key to delivering products at an unprecedented scale.

2. Technology and Process Integration: Chinese tech giants like Alibaba, Tencent, and Huawei are not just innovative; they are masters of process. They have developed intricate, data-driven systems to manage everything from digital payments and logistics to user engagement. This operational excellence allows them to roll out and manage services for hundreds of millions of users simultaneously.

3. Government Influence and "China Standards": The Chinese government plays a significant role in shaping corporate behavior. Through Five-Year Plans and industrial policies, it encourages—and sometimes mandates—certain standards in technology, environmental protection, and corporate governance. Furthermore, there is a strong national push to develop "China Standards" (中国标准) in areas like 5G and artificial intelligence, aiming to set the global benchmark rather than follow it.

A Nuanced Reality: Balancing Tradition and Modernity

It is important to view this topic with nuance.

• Generational Shift: While the hard work ethic remains strong, younger generations are increasingly valuing work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and mental well-being. The government's recent crackdown on the "996" culture reflects an official recognition of the need for sustainable development.

• Innovation vs. Standardization: Standardization can sometimes be mistaken for a lack of creativity. However, Chinese companies have demonstrated that strong processes can actually provide a foundation for rapid innovation. They standardize what works and then iterate and innovate at a breathtaking pace.

• Not a Monolith: The business culture can vary significantly between a state-owned enterprise in Beijing, a tech startup in Shenzhen, and a traditional manufacturing family business in Zhejiang.