Case of Chinese bank worker slapped for refusing to toast boss at dinner sparks debate over workplace culture
- Xiamen International Bank says it has disciplined two employees over incident that highlights hierarchical nature of many workplaces
- Frequent toasts and excessive drinking are a common part of dining etiquette
Two senior executives at a Chinese bank have been disciplined after a new employee who refused to drink a toast with his boss was slapped and insulted at an after-work dinner.
Xiamen International Bank issued a statement on Sunday saying that the incident happened last Thursday when the worker, identified by his family name Yang, went to a Beijing restaurant with his colleagues after work.
According to the notice, Yang had refused to share a toast with the branch chief, a man named Luo, and was then slapped and insulted by another manager named Dong.
The bank said it had become aware of the incident after Yang posted an account of the incident on social media. His post struck a chord with many internet users who said it highlighted the problems of China’s hierarchical work culture and the role played by alcohol-fuelled dinners.
On Sunday, the bank’s human resources department said both managers would be given a serious warning and Dong would have six months’ worth of his bonus deducted while Luo lost three months’ worth.