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Facts and Statistics
Location: Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China
Population: 6,855,125 (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: Chinese 95%, other 5%
Religions: eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10%
Location: Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and China
Population: 6,855,125 (July 2004 est.)
Ethnic Make-up: Chinese 95%, other 5%
Religions: eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10%
Language in Hong Kong
English and Chinese are Hong Kong's two official languages. The Cantonese dialect is the most commonly spoken language in the territory, though English is the language of the business and service industries; hotel employees, many urban Hong Kong residents, most young people and shop and service personnel understand and speak it to some degree. Other Chinese dialects. such as Mandarin (Putonghua), Shanghainese, and Chiu-Chow can be heard as well. Major hotels have employees with knowledge of other languages, such as French, German, Japanese and Mandarin. Translation services in many languages are also available from major hotels' business centres. Hong Kong Society & Culture The Concept of Face .Face is an intangible quality that reflects a person's reputation, dignity, and prestige. .You may lose face, save face, or give face to another person. .Companies as well as individuals have face and this is often the rationale behind business transactions. .You give someone face by complimenting them, showing them respect, or doing anything that increases their self-esteem. .Such actions must be done with the utmost sincerity. Doing them in a patronizing manner causes both parties to lose face. .Humiliating people by publicly reprimanding them, insulting them publicly, or contradicting them in front of someone else causes them to lose face. Confucianism / Hierarchy / Family Values .The teachings of Confucius describe the position of the individual in Hong Kong Chinese society. .Confucianism is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationship. .Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and seniority, and sincerity. .These traits are demonstrated by the Hong Kong Chinese in their respect for hierarchical relationships. .Although not readily apparent to the casual observer, there are strict rules about appropriate behaviour and the manner in which people must act in order to respect the hierarchy. Etiquette and Customs in Hong Kong Meeting and Greeting .The handshake is commonly used when greeting westerners. .The Hong Kong Chinese handshake is rather light. .During the greeting, many Hong Kong Chinese lower their eyes as a sign of respect. .There is no need for you to emulate this gesture, although prolonged eye contact should be avoided during the greeting. .If you are at a large function, you may introduce yourself to other guests. .At smaller functions, it is polite to wait for your host or hostess to introduce you. .The Chinese traditionally have 3 names: The surname, or family name is first and is followed by two personal names. The first personal name is their father's name and the second personal name is their own name. .Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. .If they want to move to a first name basis, they will advise you which name to use. .Some Chinese adopt more western names and may ask you to call them by that name. Gift Giving Etiquette .A gift may be refused one or two times before it is accepted. .If you are invited to someone's home, bring good quality sweets, fruit, flowers, or imported spirits to the hostess. .Do not give red or white flowers. .Do not give scissors, knives or other cutting utensils, as they indicate that you want to sever the relationship. .Do not give clocks, handkerchiefs or straw sandals, as they are associated with funerals and death. .Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black paper. .Gold and red are lucky colours, so they make excellent gift wrapping. .Elaborate gift wrapping is important. .Do not give odd numbers as many are considered unlucky. .Never give a quantity of four items. .Eight is a particularly auspicious number, so giving eight of something bestows good fortune on the recipient. .A small gift for the children is always appreciated; however, do not give green hats. .Always present gifts with two hands. .Gifts are not opened when received. Dining Etiquette .Table manners are rather relaxed in Hong Kong, although there are certain rules of etiquette. When in doubt, watch what others do and emulate their behaviour. .Wait to be told where to sit. There is often a seating plan. .Wait for the host to tell you to start eating or for him to begin eating. .Food is served on a revolving tray. .You should try everything. .Never eat the last piece from the serving tray. .Burping is considered a compliment. .Chopsticks should be returned to the chopstick rest after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak. .Always refuse a second serving at least once if you don't want to appear gluttonous. .Leave some food in your bowl when you have finished eating. .When you have finished eating, place your chopsticks in the chopstick rest or on the table. Do not place your chopsticks across the top of your bowl. .The host offers the first toast. You may reciprocate later in the meal. Business Etiquette and Protocol in Hong Kong Building Relationships & Communication .Although businesspeople in Hong Kong do not require long-standing personal relationships to do business, many businesses are family- owned, so personal relationships are an integral part of the enterprise. .Once you have begun to work with a Hong Kong businessperson, it is important to maintain the relationship. .When you first meet, expect a fair amount of small talk. Your Hong Kong colleagues will want to get to know you well enough that they are comfortable working with you. .Do not be surprised if you are asked questions that might be considered extremely personal in your home country. .The Hong Kong Chinese are generally sophisticated and cosmopolitan. .They are quite familiar and comfortable with people from other countries. .Although some businesspeople may overlook poor behaviour for the sake of the business deal, many will not. .The Hong Kong Chinese take a long-term view of business relationships. .Hong Kong Chinese are direct communicators, although they also make use of non-verbal communication. .In general, businesspeople are non- confrontational and will never overtly say no, so that they do not embarrass the other person. .If someone sucks air through his/her teeth while you are speaking, it means that they are unhappy with what you have just said. If at all possible, try to re-state your position or modify your request, since you have made the other person extremely unhappy. .As in many Asian cultures, silence is a form of communication. .Resist the urge to jump into the conversation if your Hong Kong business colleague remains silent for a minute. Business Meetings & Negotiations .Appointments are necessary and should be made between 1 and 2 months in advance if you are travelling to Hong Kong. .Avoid trying to schedule meetings during Chinese New Year (late January or early February) as many businesses close for a week during that time. .You should arrive at meetings on time. .If you are detained, telephone and advise the person you are meeting. .There will be a period of small talk before getting down to business discussions. .When meeting your Hong Kong business associates, allow the most senior person in your delegation to lead the group and be introduced first. .Business negotiations happen at a slow pace. .Avoid losing your temper or you will lose face and damage your relationship. .Do not use high-pressure tactics. You might be out-maneuvered. .Decisions are usually made at the top of the company. However, the pace of decision making is swifter than in other Asian countries. .Your starting price should leave room for negotiation. Never offer your best price initially. .Business is more price than quality driven. .If you are signing a contract, the signing date may be determined by an astrologer or a feng shui practitioner. Business Card Etiquette .Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions. .Have one side of your business card translated into Chinese, with the Chinese characters printed in gold, since it is an auspicious color. .Business cards are exchanged using both hands. .Hand your card so the typeface faces the recipient. .Examine business cards carefully before putting them in a business card case. .It is important to treat business cards with respect - never write on someone's card unless directed to do so. .Your own business cards should be maintained in pristine condition. .Make certain your business card includes your job title. This helps your Hong Kong business colleagues understand where you fit in your company's hierarchy. Being a Manager in Hong Kong In business situations you can expect Hong Kong Chinese to communicate directly and be willing to take a risk in order to achieve a particular goal. The Chinese in Hong Kong differ from those in mainland China in this and many other cultural behaviors, although it remains to be seen if these cultural behaviors continue in the future or if Hong Kong will adopt a more traditional set of Chinese values. In general, the Hong Kong Chinese are entrepreneurial and fast-paced business people. The Role of a Manager Cross cultural management needs to bear in mind that each person has a very distinct role within the organization, and maintaining that role helps to keep order. People believe that their supervisors have been chosen because they have more experience and greater knowledge than those they manage, and it is, therefore, unnecessary, and even inappropriate for them to consult with lower-ranking individuals when decision-making. Managers are more autocratic than in many other countries. Managers do not seek a consensus before making decisions. They tell subordinates what they want done and how they expect them to perform the task. Subordinates follow a manager’s instructions without comment, as it would be rude to challenge someone of a higher status. For the most part decisions are reached at the top of the company and given to managers to implement. Approach to Change Hong Kong’s intercultural competence and readiness for change is high. Businesses in Hong Kong have a high tolerance for risk and a ready acceptance for change. The underlying mindset is that change, while difficult, usually brings improvements and enhancements with it. Organizations and individuals are predisposed to a high degree of risk, partially because there are rich rewards for risk-takers who succeed and significant tolerance for those who don’t. In other words, risk-takers who fail are not deprived of future opportunities as failure is often perceived as a necessary step in the learning process. Approach to Time and Priorities Hong Kong is generally quite careful about time guidelines in business situations where schedules and deadlines are regarded seriously. Effective cross cultural management skill will depend on the individual’s ability to meet deadlines. Decision Making Many business practices have their roots in Confucianism, which dictates the rules of behavior between managers and their subordinates. Intercultural sensitivity is key and it is important to remember that the culture is very. It would be unthinkable for Hong Kong Chinese subordinate to publicly question or disagree with their manager. Hierarchy is largely determined by position, age, and gender, although there are exceptions. Employees understand their position within their organization. When delegating tasks, managers are careful not to ask someone to do something that is "below" their stature. To do so would cause both the manager and the subordinate to lose face. Cross cultural sensitivity is, therefore, important. Boss or Team Player It is important not to become overly familiar with your staff or your authority will be eroded. Also it is important to treat all staff equitably; in return they will work obediently. One sign of rupture is an employee that suddenly disobeys orders. Intercultural adaptability is essential. It is important that you understand the shame that can be felt by any criticisms voiced in public. If any criticism needs to be made, it is best if it is done through a third-person and privately. Communication and Negotiation Styles Be sure to bring an abundant supply of name cards with you and give one to everyone who presents one to you. Personal relationships are crucial to conducting business. Hong Kong Chinese must like you and feel comfortable with you to do business. Do not publicly embarrass your Hong Kong counterparts. Referencing mistakes past or present, or bringing up difficult topics publicly will work against you. If a difficult situation arises and needs to be addressed, pull aside the head of your Hong Kong counterparts and speak with them directly. If someone sucks air through their teeth, they are unhappy with what you have just said. Your starting price should leave room for negotiation. Note a large price concession may be asked for at the end of the negations. Intercultural sensitivity is essential and you need to ensure you are not using any symbols or colors in presentations that can be misinterpreted as they have a symbolic meaning you are unaware of. Useful Information and Links about Hong Kong * Currency - the currency of Hong Kong is known as the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). * Weather - visit Yahoo!'s up to date Weather for Hong Kong. * News - check out all the latest Google news on Hong Kong. * Dialling Code - the international dialling code for Hong Kong is +852. * Time - Hong Kong is +8 hours GMT. Get the time in Hong Kong now. * History - read about the long and rich history of Hong Kong. * Hotels - for accomodation see Hong Kong Hotel. |
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