Well, it is hard for someone from a western culture (assume you are) to think like someone from the Chinese culture. I believe it does have to do with "face" or fear of losing it and admitting one's mistakes and correcting it.

Sure there are bad people everywhere, but why would you choose to operate with such continued problems? Because there is no problem to Helen, because to admit fault is to lose face. She can't admit she is a bad manager. Denial is a power thing, right? I am sure she treats Chinese staff like crap too, perhaps she dislikes people in general because they question her management (and rightly so).

For example: Chairman Mao allowed up to 60 million of his own people (numbers could be off but a lot) to starve. He feared losing face to the outside world and instead of keeping the rice for his own people, he exported it. One could argue it wasn't his fault that his subordinates provided him with false information. Well, is it possible they did so because they feared losing face and being punished? In the end, he made the decision to export the rice while his people starved. Why?

You will find the root of many stupid acts in China to deal with their fear of losing face. I am not saying it's the only factor... we could equate stupidity (lack of education to be politically correct), laziness all attributed to overpopulation.

But here's a simple example of my theory in which we can all relate. Go to a grocery store and ask a random clerk for something. Many times, instead of telling you they don't know or taking the time to help you look for it or even find someone else to help you, many times they will say "Mei You" (don't have) and then one minute later you find it in an aisle over.

I believe this is because in their minds to claim or lie that they don't have something compared to "I don't know" doesn't threaten their face. I would prefer to call it pride. Have you ever noticed that even when a Chinese person is caught in a lie, they will act like they didn't do anything wrong or make up a horribly lame excuse that makes them look even worse than before? It is pure desperation to protect the ego. I am not going to say it is for ALL Chinese but unfortunately, it does make up the majority.

Although, I do see changes in their youth.