| This paper delves into the complexities of professional certifications within the Chinese insurance industry, examining their role through the lens of signaling theory and the phenomenon of rent-seeking behavior. Through a mixed-methods approach that includes an in-depth interview with an industry insider, the study illuminates the nuanced impact of certifications on career advancement, organizational practices, and ethical considerations. It reveals a dual nature of certifications as both enablers of professional development and potential vehicles for rent-seeking, calling attention to the need for balanced credentialing policies. The findings suggest that while certifications serve as crucial signals of competence and dedication in the labor market, their misapplication can foster inequitable professional environments. This work emphasizes the importance of further research to refine the signaling theory’s applicability, aiming to foster a more equitable and effective professional landscape in the insurance sector and beyond. |
