In many ways, the era preceding 1949 was a trying time in china. This era was marred with challenges such as domestic wars among the communities in china, international feuds in Asia and the world at large (like world war 1 and 2), economic challenges like the great depression of the 1920s and the increasing growth of U.S.A as a world superpower.
Therefore, as of 1949, there were still many issues for china to deal with especially in regards to human development and general well-being since the historical challenges acted as limitations in one way or another.
However, the government of China carefully assessed its options for making progress, took note of their strengths and weaknesses, then started making small steps towards changing all important industries in the country to encourage a holistic development in China.
Fast forwarding to 2012, China is commendably a formidable economic force to reckon with. Its high GDP, highly industrialized nature, good interrelations with other countries, oneness in thought of the Chinese people, superior technologies and great products and services are some of the notable developments that places China above many countries.
These developments have greatly improved the nature of human development and well-being in China since a good number of people have some form of employments.
In addition, china deservingly boast of a great healthcare system that has been able to reduce the prevalence of deaths thus reducing the mortality rate in the country, unlike many other regions that still contend with deaths from some diseases that could be prevented by good human development and well-being systems.
So, what is the secret behind China’s catapult to the world of success? Well, according to most scholars, there are two specific issues behind china’s lauded success. These are:
- Public initiatives
- Private initiatives
According to researchers, the development of company laws, the emergence of general principles of corporate social responsibility, the establishment of corporate social and environmental disclosure and the development of socially responsible investing as well as environmentally responsible financing are some of the key public initiatives responsible for China’s heralded well-being.
These initiatives have helped by encouraging hard work, objectivity, accountability, and efficacy in their endeavors.
On the other hand, two issues come into play regarding the private initiatives. Firstly, there is the emergence and development of human development standards and guidelines in China—which, reportedly, helped in keeping individuals and organizations in check. Secondly, there is the factor of reward.
Through forums that give rewards to people and organizations that champion human development endeavors; more people have been encouraged towards engaging in human development and well-being issues.
Based on these developments, there has been increased involvement of China in global business endeavors—for example, joining the World Trade Organization, hosting the Beijing Olympics and engaging in corporate social responsibilities like creating poverty alleviation programs or even giving donations to needy people both domestically and internationally.
Such involvements have not only encouraged the proliferation of human development endeavors, but they have also increased china’s stature and respect.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that China, just like most countries, still have their fair share of challenges such as frequent floods, strong completion from other countries and the need to continually better its development endeavors.
However, in overall, China has done a splendid job is improving its human development and well-being agendas both locally and international countries. If the few challenges it faces can be mitigated, a lot more can be expected from china in the near future!