The Transparency of the Chinese Social Credit System from the Perspective of German Organizations

Authors

Mo Chen, Technical University of MunichFollow
Kristina Bogner, Technical University MunichFollow
Joana Becheva, Technical University of MunichFollow
Jens Grossklags, Technical University of MunichFollow

Paper Number

1260

Abstract

The Chinese Social Credit System (SCS) is a prime example for the digital transformation of society. As a digitally-implemented nationwide project, its main goals include educating, enhancing social control, establishing trustworthiness and increasing market efficiency. The SCS covers not only Chinese citizens, companies and organizations, but also foreign ones which have activities in or with China. In our research, we conducted twenty interviews with employees from German organizations that run business in or with China to understand how they understand the SCS and what current and future impacts they perceive of the system on their organizations. In particular, we focused on interviewees’ perceptions regarding the SCS transparency and its role in increasing the transparency of the Chinese business landscape. Our analysis of the interviews showcased an interesting contrast between reservations with respect to the system’s transparency and the belief that the SCS would further the transparency of the Chinese business landscape.

Recommended Citation

Chen, Mo; Bogner, Kristina; Becheva, Joana; and Grossklags, Jens, "The Transparency of the Chinese Social Credit System from the Perspective of German Organizations" (2021). ECIS 2021 Research Papers. 47.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2021_rp/47