10 points for honest advice. Will working class young Chineses ever get ahead without connection?

Question

Have you heard of the "Back Door Policy"? If not, it means people with connections go back door and it will get you much faster than normal persons.

Thank you for your advice. Thank you

Answer 1

You can be hired on your own merits through agencies and normal methods but there is no doubt that in China, connections matter very much. We must recognize this and go through channels in China. It is completely different than the US.

You are well advised to actively pursue any connections, especially with government officials, to further your career. Also, classmates in college are great allies to have.

Answer 2

Guanxi (social connections) is very important in the whole of China.  If you have the right connection, you can practically do anything even with the Government's officials.  

Why do you think that International Corporations/Companies have to forked out $$$  for lavish presents or dinners for so-called VIPs?  GUANXI is the answer, my friend!!!

Answer 3

Yes you can make it without connections although it will be hard works and it will take longer, however people who have connections do get farther and faster and quicker than those without, its like that in every country!

Answer 4

Yes, I think so. I mean like you just have to work hard. Having connections are always easier, but if you go to a path less taken, the rewards might be greater.

Answer 5

It's very true what you are saying, but in the end this is changing.  These days companies see the disadvantages of nepotism etc.. and will not hire this way. Especially due to the fact that most companies in China are now foreign owned.  It is mainly true of the government these days. I am a headhunter in shanghai and I place very talented people everyday and this very act makes it impossible for them to have been connected as I must pick people entirely on merrit, and most companies in the major cities use headhunters these days.

Answer 6

I'd prefer to use the word 'Networking'. I believe if you work hard you can always get promoted, though good networking definitly would be a help.

In state-owned companies and government agencies, the networking will be more important.