Why Chinese Descendants Thrive, What’s the Secret?
Light House Denver – Chinese descendants are often found dominating the list of the wealthiest individuals in many countries, including Indonesia. According to Forbes’ Indonesia’s 50 Richest, the top five spots are held by ethnic Chinese conglomerates. So, what lies behind their extraordinary business success?
John Kao, a researcher for the Harvard Business Review, interviewed over 150 ethnic Chinese entrepreneurs from both China and abroad. He discovered that Confucian cultural values play a significant role in shaping their work ethic. This philosophy emphasizes social harmony, strong family ties, and mutual responsibility between individuals.
“Continue Reading: Why Are Women More Likely to Experience Osteoporosis?”
Most of those interviewed were first-generation descendants of immigrants who fled China due to war or political unrest. Many experienced personal losses, whether political trauma, homelessness, or economic collapse, which fostered a survival mentality and a culture of perseverance passed down through generations.
Historically, the Chinese have endured natural disasters, political instability, and economic hardship. For Chinese immigrants, entrepreneurship became a key strategy for survival in foreign lands. As a result, many grew up with a deep-rooted spirit of resilience, discipline, and entrepreneurial drive.
Kao also identified eight core principles commonly followed by Chinese entrepreneurs:
Many Chinese entrepreneurs manage their businesses like emperors once ruled their dynasties with tight familial control. Leadership positions are often passed down to family members, even if more capable external candidates exist.
A traditional Chinese saying they hold dear is: “Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a cow.” This reflects their belief that it is better to own a small business than to be a minor figure in a large corporation.
The success of Chinese-descended entrepreneurs isn’t built on financial capital alone. It stems from a combination of cultural values, historical adversity, and strong family bonds. Together, these elements create a resilient mindset that continues to drive their business success today.
“Read More: Gender Gap in Education, Boys Now Falling Behind”
