When Zhao Baige took over as the presiding executive of the Red Cross Society of China three years ago, both she and the other executives had underestimated the efforts needed to regain public trust for the group. The public expected to see a total reform, but all she did was offer explanation after explanation. Let's hope the new leader takes deeper measures. The RCSC has faltered, not from any external scandal, but from its own refusal to change. That lesson should be learned by other industries that need to reform as well.
Beijing Times, Sept 3
While one scandal can ruin a charity organization within days, relentless efforts are needed to rebuild its reputation, including changes to its management and the way it is run. Zhao was reported to have adopted some reform measures during her three years of service, but progress was rather slow. The Red Cross Society of China needs breakthroughs in order to truly win public trust back.
Beijing News, Sept 3
Zhao was described by the media as open-minded and had a quite positive public image, but she alone could never save the Red Cross Society of China from its public trust crisis without building a transparent system. According to our survey, 31.5 percent of participants do not think appointing a new leader to replace Zhao wiil regain trust for the RCSC. As one person said: "They change leaders without altering the system that we don't trust; how will that help?"
China Youth Daily, Sept 3
When Zhao assumed her position at the Red Cross Society of China and introduced some reform policies, she said "please give us a little time". Three years have passed and we don't see many changes. The new leader might need to hurry up because the organization cannot afford any more failures.
people.com.cn, Sept 2
The public put their hope in Zhao and her team successfully reforming the Red Cross Society of China, but they have since lost that hope. The RCSC vowed to regain the public's trust which it lost due to its lack of transparency, but it failed to fulfill that vow. Those who needed help waited for three years. But all is not yet lost; please reform, RCSC, before all patience is consumed.
Qianjiang Evening News, Sept 2