Chinese Social Media Platform Weibo in Heated Debate Over GREE Employee Wang Zi-ru's Interview
The recent interview of GREE employee Wang Zi-ru has sparked heated discussions on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The video, which shows Wang expressing admiration for his leader Dong Guohui during an interview, has attracted a wide range of reactions from netizens, with some praising Wang's loyalty and others criticizing him for appearing to "kiss up" to his superiors.
14 November 2023
The controversy began when Weibo users shared a clip from Wang's interview where he complimented Dong Guohui, sparking discussions about his intentions behind the statement. Some netizens praised Wang for showing respect and admiration towards his leader and recognizing the hard work of those who have contributed to GREE's success. They believe that such behavior not only benefits the individual but also contributes positively to the company culture, fostering a respectful environment where employees feel valued and motivated.
However, other netizens were more critical of Wang's approach, accusing him of appearing overly eager to please his superiors and potentially compromising his own personal integrity. They argue that while it is important to show respect and gratitude towards those in leadership roles, excessive flattery can be seen as manipulative or disingenuous, undermining the sincerity of one's words and actions.
In response to these reactions, some netizens have shared past controversies involving Wang Zi-ru and Rogers, a popular live streamer who had a public confrontation with Wang in the past. These previous incidents have been resurfaced by netizens as a comparison to the current situation, highlighting the contrast between Wang's behavior then and now.
The incident has also sparked discussions about labor laws and workplace culture in China, particularly for GREE employees who are aware that their company is a state-owned enterprise. Some users have pointed out that while it is crucial to show respect to leaders and acknowledge the role they play in a company's success, this should not come at the expense of independent thinking and taking responsibility for one's actions.
One Weibo user shared a piece of advice given by an unnamed senior about the outdated nature of university education and the need for young graduates to be ready to make mistakes while learning on the job. The senior reportedly said, "Without labor law protection, don't you have to give the company money? Remember: GREE is a state-owned enterprise. Laborers need how light a spirit to be able to undergo an interview."
In conclusion, Wang Zi-ru's recent interview has stirred up a heated debate among Weibo netizens, with opinions divided on whether his actions reflect loyalty or manipulation. The incident has highlighted the importance of workplace culture and labor laws in China and sparked discussions about employee behavior and responsibility. While some praised Wang's approach as respectful and sincere, others saw it as disingenuous and potentially harmful to the company culture. Regardless of one's stance on the issue, it is clear that this controversy has brought to light important discussions surrounding work ethics and employee-employer relationships in China.