A Chinese transportation company, Sanxing Transportation, has stirred controversy by refusing job applications from individuals born in the Year of the Dog. The company, based in Guangdong province, cited the incompatibility between the Dog and the Dragon, the zodiac sign of the company’s head, as the reason behind this decision. This move has sparked a debate about the role of superstition in hiring practices.
The Chinese zodiac system, which assigns animals to different years, plays a significant role in Chinese culture, influencing beliefs about compatibility and fortune. According to Chinese astrology, the Dragon and Dog are considered conflicting signs, leading to the belief that they could create discord and misfortune in professional settings. This belief is not merely anecdotal; Sanxing Transportation explicitly mentioned the zodiac requirement in their job advertisement for a clerk position, stating that Dog-year applicants would not be considered, regardless of their qualifications.
The company’s decision has been met with widespread criticism on social media, with many users labeling the practice as superstitious and discriminatory. While some argue that such preferences are not explicitly illegal in China, legal experts have acknowledged that they could be viewed as discriminatory.
However, this instance is not unique. The use of zodiac signs in hiring practices extends beyond mere exclusion. Some companies have actively sought candidates born under specific signs, believing them to possess desired traits. A Hong Kong travel agency, for instance, specifically sought candidates born under Gemini, Libra, or Aquarius signs.
Ultimately, this case highlights the complex intersection of culture, superstition, and hiring practices in China. While Sanxing Transportation’s decision has been met with criticism, the prevalence of zodiac sign considerations in hiring practices underscores the continued influence of cultural beliefs on professional decisions.
