Qu Jing, the now former Vice President and ex-Chief of Communications at Baidu, witnessed a swift end to her tenure owing to public outrage over her endorsement of a toxic workplace culture. Her detrimental stance on working conditions ignited a public outcry, ultimately leading to her removal.
A series of videos showcasing Jing’s controversial actions on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, triggered a widespread debate. The viral posts highlighted Jing’s blatant disregard for societal norms and empathy towards her subordinates, causing an upheaval and leading many to question her leadership abilities.
One of the viral videos revealed Jing’s stern response to an employee who denied her request for a 50-day business trip amidst the pandemic, demonstrating her lack of empathy for the employee’s personal circumstances. This insensitivity particularly troubled young employees and led to criticism of her prioritization of work over an individual’s personal life or relationships. It further aggravated the already strenuous work environment, leaving new hires floundering.
In another video, Jing discouraged employees from voicing complaints about her, asserting that it could jeopardize their future career opportunities.
Outrage over ex-Baidu VP’s toxic endorsement
She argued that open dissent nurtures a hostile work environment, while she welcomed constructive criticism. Her belief, however, fueled another controversy.
As the backlash gathered momentum, Jing eliminated all traces of her Baidu affiliation from her Douyin profile, issued an apology, and took full responsibility for her actions. “I understand that they were inappropriate and offensive, and for this, I am truly sorry. My words were misguided and significantly misrepresent the values which Baidu upholds,” Jing admitted in her apology.
Baidu, in its effort to distance itself from the controversy and assure the public of its commitment to upholding its work culture and values, initiated an internal investigation into the matter.
The incident served as a stark reminder of the severe implications of any deviation from the accepted norms of workplace behavior, particularly within the tech sector. It underscored the vital role of leadership in promoting a respectful work environment and fostering a safe, valued, and respected atmosphere, highlighting the urgency of stricter monitoring mechanisms, transparency policies, and investment in robust mental health support programs.
