Working in China #1: Creativity Counts

[Tianjin42]

Having established a recruitment group in China, Roddy suggested some posts on the current trends, themes and goings-on in terms of recruitment for foreigners over here.

 

We certainly observe some interesting phenomenon and though I can’t perhaps write everything we see at this stage, we can offer some interesting insight.

 

For today’s post I wanted to mention trends we are seeing in terms of creativity.

 

Increasing numbers of employers are taking creativity seriously and as a result seek “western” candidates that they perceive to be more creative. This is most common in tech groups/ start-ups that we work with but it is happening to some degree across the board.

 

For example over the last couple of years, significant numbers of smaller tech groups in China have been contacting us for foreign developers. That foreign candidates might offer something a little extra in this field may not come as a surprise to most but it is interesting to see some tangible evidence on this side. Over and over again we have clients (both Chinese and foreign) who tell us that though Chinese developers are competent, their company requires a certain amount of creativity that they feel they can’t get from domestic employees.

 

Let’s pick apart the reasons for this because I think they are slightly more complex than they appear. It would be obvious to mention the education system and I would agree that it is a key factor. But speaking to companies, two other interesting themes emerge. First, it seems that even with companies very much interested in the domestic market, there is a trend of internationalization. Whilst it seems common knowledge amongst the groups we work with that “western” candidates will offer more creative solutions, those groups now consider themselves more international (even strictly domestic ones who now consider more carefully international competition in China).

 

Secondly, as companies become more international, there is increasing frustration with some aspects of Chinese working culture (again, this is also true of Chinese individuals in Chinese groups). For example one group who approached us explained that a Chinese team of developers were working on a project set by the boss that they felt would almost certainly fail. After countless man-hours the project was a failure but no-one had wanted to tell the boss beforehand, even though it seemed clear that the project would be a waste of time.

 

So next time you are applying for a role perhaps it would be positive to emphasise this particular strength.

 

Have any of you noticed this trend in your places of work or perhaps with Chinese friends?

[Touchstone57]

Very interesting observations. My actual theory is that Chinese people are creative, but I feel often the work and managerial structures in China do not allow them to be as creative as they could be.

 

I have directly seen when domestic hires are properly paid and motivated they can perform outstanding and creative work, particularly when they are valued for the work they do and have good work benefits. 

 

I feel the short term capitalist policy of low pay and poor management will also produce poor results - i.e you get what you pay for. I think in addition to this social structures and obligations in China can complicate the matter. There is certainly a culture of being afraid to question the boss, to save him from being humuliated, which results in poor decisions be made. There is also a culture of presenteeism, that seems to be imbedded into Chinese people from a young. ie you have to work long hours and present a face to your boss, even if your actual producivity and work produced is very low. You must ALWAYS present a face! 

 

But, I think creativity is something that can be learnt - so there is hope yet. I would be interested to know how foreigners fit in these environments when they are not working in an entirely international company. 

[tysond]

 I would be interested to know how foreigners fit in these environments when they are not working in an entirely international company. 

 

 

 

My boss in Malaysia gave me great advice over 10 years ago.

 

"The team likes you.  You fit in.  That's good.  But don't fit in too much.  I didn't hire you for that.  You need to change things".

 

PS thanks for posting, lost of foreigners are interested in working in China but it's hard to give people advice on what/where/how China is looking for foreigners to work.

[Tianjin42]

Interesting ideas.

 

Touchstone: I agree that there isn’t some genetic difference here and one must really conclude that there is a problem with the system (and I do believe that there is a significant issue).

As well as the result of the political and educational environment, some colleagues feel that the population size itself may have an effect. I do understand the concentration of people may be in issue in this sense but I am never quite convinced by this argument. Administered well, a large population size and high concentration can be seen as a strong attribute (as was the case during America’s rapid industrialisation and growth).

 

Tysond: I like your bosses advice – probably something to hold onto.