How did hiring scholar official hurt China?

The hiring of scholar-officials in China, particularly during the imperial examination system, led to a rigid bureaucracy that often prioritized rote learning and adherence to Confucian ideals over practical governance and innovation. This emphasis on scholarly credentials resulted in a lack of adaptability and responsiveness to changing societal needs, stifling creativity and critical thinking. Additionally, it created a class of officials more focused on preserving their status and the status quo, which sometimes hampered effective administration and reform efforts, contributing to stagnation in various sectors of society.