Public Shaming for Underperformance

Several Chinese local governments have introduced the “Snail Award,” a designation meant to identify government workers deemed too slow or unproductive. This initiative, rather than fostering motivation, has sparked debate over whether it is an effective tool for improving efficiency or simply an unnecessary public embarrassment for workers. While authorities claim it is intended to encourage diligence, critics argue it could create a culture of fear and punishment rather than one of support and productivity.

A commentary on a Communist Party-affiliated website defended the practice, stating, “Through this sarcastic ‘encouragement,’ the awardees can blush and sweat and refresh their minds.” However, many see it as an outdated and counterproductive tactic that fails to address deeper structural issues within China’s bureaucratic system.

The Government’s Attempt to Boost Efficiency

China’s ruling Communist Party, led by President Xi Jinping, has been increasingly focused on ensuring accountability among government workers. With economic challenges mounting and local governments struggling to meet growth targets, officials are under pressure to demonstrate greater efficiency. However, bureaucrats are also operating in an environment where taking risks can have severe consequences, leading many to hesitate rather than take bold actions.

Previously, government officials actively pursued large infrastructure projects and economic initiatives. However, crackdowns on financial mismanagement and corruption have made many hesitant to act without explicit approval. As a result, “the safest route, it seems, is to do nothing,” as People’s Daily noted.

To address this, local governments have instituted public shaming tactics like the “Snail Award” to pressure employees into compliance. Workers receiving this label may face demotions, reduced bonuses, and negative performance reviews. In Jiangsu’s Taizhou and Guizhou’s Zunyi, those designated with the “Snail Award” saw poor annual evaluations and financial penalties.

Is This Strategy Effective?

Despite its harshness, the “Snail Award” does not seem to be having the desired effect of increasing productivity. Instead, it has created an atmosphere of hesitation, where workers are more concerned about avoiding public embarrassment than innovating or improving their performance.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the Communist Party’s internal anti-corruption watchdog, reported that 138,000 officials in 2024 were punished for offenses including “irresponsibility,” “inaction,” or “pretending to work.” That number was more than double the previous year, with so-called “inaction” topping the list of offenses. “Taking tough measures to deal with ‘lying flat cadres’ is actually to protect the enthusiasm and initiative of those who are doing things and being enterprising,” the commission stated. However, many observers question whether public reprimand is the right approach.

Rather than encouraging productivity, public shaming has fueled an already growing “lying flat” movement—a passive resistance to excessive and often unrealistic work demands. Many workers now see it as safer to do the bare minimum rather than risk becoming a public example.

Implementation Across China

The “Snail Award” has been put into effect by several local governments, particularly in cities like Taizhou in Jiangsu province and Zhanjiang in Guangdong province. These governments have also established databases to track employees accused of “lying flat,” labeling them as underperformers.

To balance the negative reinforcement, some regions have introduced a “Horse Award” for workers deemed exceptionally efficient. However, it is unclear whether these designations genuinely improve workplace morale or simply reinforce a rigid and punitive bureaucratic culture.

The Human Impact: Stress and Workplace Anxiety

For many government employees, the “Snail Award” is not just a bureaucratic measure—it contributes to a stressful and anxiety-inducing work environment. Instead of fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere, the program has led to frustration and resentment among civil servants.

Professor Dongshu Liu from the City University of Hong Kong points out: “They want you to work hard, but they want you to work hard on following central orders.” This suggests that workers are expected to be proactive but only within strict political guidelines, limiting their ability to make meaningful contributions.

Additionally, some local governments are struggling to pay their workers due to budget constraints. For employees already dealing with heavy workloads and financial uncertainty, the threat of public humiliation only adds to their dissatisfaction. Many young professionals still pursue civil service jobs due to their perceived stability, but the increasingly demanding and punitive work culture is eroding this appeal.

Public Perception and Controversy

Public opinion on the “Snail Award” has been mixed. While some argue that government employees should be held accountable, others believe the approach is unnecessarily harsh and counterproductive. Even on China’s tightly controlled social media platforms, debates have emerged about whether shaming workers is an appropriate way to boost efficiency.

Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore, notes a fundamental flaw in the approach: “In a regular bureaucratic system, high performers are rewarded with promotions, while underperformers are naturally filtered out. But in China, the consequences of making mistakes are so severe that many officials prefer to stay inactive.” The “Snail Award” does not appear to address this systemic issue—it may even exacerbate it.

Despite criticism, President Xi Jinping has remained firm in his push for greater discipline among government officials. In speeches, he has emphasized the importance of a “trailblazing spirit” and strict accountability. “After decades of peaceful rule, many party members and cadres have not experienced the test of life and death, lacking the tempering of brutal struggles and harsh environments,” Xi remarked in a speech, reinforcing the government’s emphasis on resilience and productivity.

The “Snail Award” reflects a broader trend of increasing political and workplace pressure on government workers. While intended to encourage efficiency, the approach appears to be fueling fear and discouraging initiative, leading to stagnation rather than improvement.

As China navigates economic challenges, it remains to be seen whether this strategy will be reconsidered. Without a shift toward more constructive policies, public shaming tactics like the “Snail Award” may do more harm than good. Encouraging government workers through positive reinforcement and meaningful systemic reforms would likely be a more effective path toward increased efficiency and engagement.

ACZ Editor: You might recognize the attempt to centrally control and shape the people to be what the government wants. I could see this being implemented by inept employers, but never by the government.