敬业 (jìngyè) is a virtue deeply embedded in Chinese culture, with roots in Confucian philosophy. It aligns with the Confucian ideal of fulfilling one's societal role (`名分 míngfèn`) to the best of their ability to contribute to a harmonious society. It's considered a fundamental component of a person's character and a key part of 职业道德 (zhíyè dàodé) - professional ethics. In fact, `敬业` is officially listed as one of the twelve “Core Socialist Values” promoted by the Chinese government, highlighting its national importance. Comparison to Western “Professionalism”: While `敬业` can be translated as “professionalism,” there's a key difference in feeling. In the West, “professionalism” can sometimes imply a cool, detached competence—being good at your job without being emotionally invested. 敬业 (jìngyè), however, is warmer. It carries a strong sense of personal commitment, pride, and even love for one's work. It's less about the separation of personal feelings from work and more about channeling positive virtues *into* one's work. It's closer to the German concept of “Beruf” (a calling) than the American concept of a “gig.”
`敬业` is a highly valued trait in the modern Chinese workplace and is frequently used in professional contexts.