Living & Working in Hong Kong

Culture & Language Initiatives, TCS L&D

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 Programme Outline
– Hong Kong Overview
– Hong Kong Popular Culture
– Culture and Temperament
– Meeting and Greeting
– Names and Titles
– Body Language
– Public Behaviour
– Corporate Culture
– Business DOs and DON’Ts
– Addressing People with respect
– Negotiating Tips
– Dining and Entertainment
– Dress
– Gifts
– Helpful Hints
– Especially for Women
– Short Business Trip (TCS): Arrival and Must-see Tourist Spots

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 Hong Kong Overview: Fact Sheet

• Status: Chinese Special Administrative Area

• Capital City: Victoria

• Main City: Kowloon

• Population: 5,890,000

• Area: 1,040 km2

• Currency: 1 Hong Kong dollar = 100 cents

Skyline from Victoria Peak.

• Languages: English, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese)

• Religions: Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, Christian, Muslim, Hindu

Source of data: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ca.html

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 Hong Kong Popular Culture

• Hong Kong is often described as a city where East meets West.

• This is reflected especially in its shopping, nightlife, and dining.

• Shopping: from the latest European fashion to traditional Chinese wares.

• Malls, department stores, and designer boutiques vs. the bustling open-air Stanley
Market and Jade Market shopping areas.

• Cosmopolitan cuisine: Chinese restaurants, European, American, Japanese, Korean,

and other restaurants.

• Ethnic dishes are also popular.

• Entertainment and the performing arts: Hong Kong's blend of the Chinese and the
Western.

• The film industry and the "Cantopop" music industry, and variety programmes on
television export entertainment to Chinese-speaking communities around the world.

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 Culture and Temperament

• Hong Kong is very sophisticated and cosmopolitan,

blending the cultures of Asia and Europe.

• Its people are highly educated, very motivated and

westernized.

• Hong Kong is 98% Chinese (Cantonese), but the

people view themselves as different from other
Chinese.

• Cantonese habits and customs are dominant.

• An individual's actions, prestige, education, wealth

and reputation reflect positively or negatively on
the entire family.

Hong Kong street scene.

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 Meeting and Greeting
• Shake hands with everyone -- men, women and children -- upon meeting and leaving.

• Note that Hong Kong Chinese handshakes may be less firm than a Western handshake.

• Higher-ranking persons are introduced before those of lower rank.

• An older person comes before a younger person, and a woman before a man.

• Family members are greeted in order of age, oldest first and youngest last.

• It is polite to inquire about a person's health or activities upon greeting.

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 Names and Titles

• Use family names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your host or
colleagues to use their first names.

• Address the Chinese with Mr., Mrs., Miss or professional title plus family name.
Example: Lau Gan Lei would be Mr. Lau or Doctor Lau or Professor Lau.

• Chinese names have two parts: family name and given name. The family name comes
first.

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 Addressing People with Respect

 Titles and job descriptions are important to staff, who usually derive a sense of
security from having their duties precisely defined.

 Moreover, titles show the line of authority. The job descriptions tell each employee
what his or her duties are supposed to be.

 Most people you meet should be addressed with a title and surname.

 If a person does not have a professional title [i.e., Doctor, President], simply use
“Mr.”, “Madam”, “Mrs.”, or “Miss”, plus his or her surname.

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 Addressing People [contd.]

• Chinese names appear in a different order than Western names.

• Each person may have, in this order, a family, “generational” and first name.(In modern
times, Chinese have stopped having “generational” names).

• “Generational” and given names can be separated by a space or a hyphen, but are
frequently written as one word.

• HongKong women are likely to be different from other Chinese in the context of names.
The custom is to have two surnames, husband’s surname, followed by her own surname
plus her first name. eg. Chan Fang On Sang –Chan is the husband’s surname, Fang is
her surname, On Sang is her given name.

• Many Hong Kong Chinese adopt an English first name or nickname to make it easier for
foreigners to address them.

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 Body Language
• Hong Kong Chinese may stand close when talking, however, they are reserved and
uncomfortable with body contact.

• Do not hug, kiss or pat people on the back.

• Winking at someone is considered a very rude gesture.

• Request your bill by making a writing motion with your hand.

• To beckon someone, extend your arm, palm down, and make a scratching motion with your
fingers.

• Never point with your index finger. This is used only for animals. Point with your hand open.

• When seated, keep your feet on the floor. Place your hands in your lap while sitting.

• Smiling is not as noticeable among the Chinese, since there is a heavy emphasis on
repressing emotion.

• Public displays of affection between the sexes may be frowned upon.

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 Public Behaviour
• Either traditional English or Chinese greetings are appropriate. It is permissible for men
and women to shake hands.

• The Chinese will nod or bow slightly as an initial greeting. Handshakes are also popular;
wait, however, for your Chinese counterpart to initiate the gesture.

• The Chinese appreciate compliments, although they will not openly accept these remarks,
since it would be poor manners for them to agree.

• The traditional Chinese greeting is a bow. When bowing to a superior, you should bow
more deeply and allow him or her to rise first.

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 Public Behaviour [contd.]

• Traditional Chinese greetings often refer to food. “Have you eaten”, “Have you eaten rice
yet?”, and other variations are common greetings.

• In any case, the question is rhetorical, so always answer “yes”, whether you have eaten
recently or not.

• Recognize and greet the most senior or elderly person in a group first, and politely inquire
about his or her health.

• Avoid any behaviour that seems aggressive or loud; decorum is important in all aspects of
life.

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 Corporate Culture

• Many Hong Kong business people have been educated in Western schools and are well-
heeled, well-traveled and possess an international perspective.

• The business climate in Hong Kong is "wide open," with a free market and limited
government involvement.

• Hong Kong business activities are competitive, honest and quick. Making money is the
main goal.

• The style of business is similar to that of the United States.

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 Corporate Culture [contd.]
• Punctuality

• Tea is served at meetings.

• Business cards should be treated with respect.

• Be sure to look at a business card upon receiving it.

• Lawyers are not included in negotiations until contracts are drawn up and signed.

• Negotiations may be slow and detailed, but very efficient.

• Send senior people with technical and commercial expertise prepared to function as a
team and make decisions on the spot.

• Business deals may be sealed with a handshake alone. Be prepared to compromise.

• Banking contacts are very important. Use a bank to set up your meetings.

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 Corporate Culture [contd.]

• Take time to build relationships. It may take several meetings to accomplish goals.

• Do business face to face. Courtesy calls and personal selling are vital to success.

• "Yes" may not mean agreement; it often means "I hear you." "No" is generally not said.
Instead, you may hear “We will have to wait," or "This may be very difficult."

• Feng shui may be important.

• In keeping with Chinese custom, each person is obliged to apologize when necessary

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 Corporate Culture contd.

• Make appointments for business meetings a month before arrival.

• Offices may close from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and many executives may take a longer
lunch.

• Much of Hong Kong follows a six-day workweek. Hours are generally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m., Monday through Friday.

• On Saturdays, the workday often lasts from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Longer hours, however,
are common.

• Many Hong Kong residents go on vacation during the summer and the weeks surrounding
Christmas, Easter, and the Chinese New Year.

• Some Chinese businesses will close for the entire week of Chinese New Year.

• When social appointments are made, a half-hour courtesy time is allowed for most people.

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 Business DOs and DON’Ts
• DO:
• Give and receive the business cards with BOTH hands. Always treat the card with respect.
• State the value proposition clearly and do not just ask for a social business call. If you can
quantify, nothing like it in business savvy HK.
• Learn to distinguish between Cantonese HK folk and Mainland- born folk now resident in
HK — when doing business.
• Be firm but polite with clients who deviate from contractual payments. Immediate
concessions are not seen as goodwill but as weaknesses. Demands will then multiply in an
Asian context.

DON’T:
• Say that "Chinese" Mandarin or “Putonghua" is the mainland mother tongue. Both
Cantonese (the mother tongue of HK) and Mandarin are as different as English is from
French.
• Ignore the Chinese subordinates, though the chief might be a white or expat. They can
obstruct a policy that is set.
• Ask what the effect of the mainland takeover on HK is. It is a sensitive topic for a business
meeting.
• Persist in playing up the fact that we are familiar with the Western business practices and
execution. You are in the East now.

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 Negotiating Tips

• In Hong Kong business culture, a person's reputation and social standing rests on the
concept of “saving face.”

• Causing embarrassment or loss of composure, even unintentionally, can be disastrous for

business negotiations.

• A person's actions reflect on his or her family, plus any other groups of which he or she is a
member.

• “Saving face” depends on adhering to the ethical norms of society in all human dealings.

• Hong Kong Chinese are often associative thinkers, guided by their feelings, where faith in
the ideology of the group may be a relevant source of the truth.

• Generally speaking, there is a stress on wholeness over fragmentation.

• Take your time, slow down, don't attempt the “hard sell” or other aggressive tactics.

• Proceed with business discussions after a certain amount of familiarity has been
established with your counterparts.

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 Negotiating Tips [contd.]
• Keep the same team throughout the negotiations.

• Negotiations often take place over cups of tea. Regardless of how you feel, always accept
an offer of tea.

• When you are served, wait for the host to drink first.

• Chinese negotiators often use the teacups as visual aids.

• Present all materials and ideas in a modest and patient manner.

• Aggression is unacceptable and if someone “loses face” during negotiations, the contract
may be at risk.

• Do not assume that an answer of “yes” signals agreement. A more accurate interpretation
may be “I heard you.”

• The Chinese may not directly say “no” to you.

• Instead, ambivalent answers such as “perhaps”, “I'm not sure”, “I'll think about it”, “It would
be difficult” or “We'll see” usually mean “no.”

• Always prepare many alternative options in order to give the Chinese negotiator[s] room to
refuse any aspects of your proposal without “losing face”.

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 Negotiating Tips [contd..]
• Make an effort to be aware of the positions and status of each member of the Chinese
negotiating team.

• Negotiations can be slow and protracted, with extensive attention to detail.

• Moreover, near the end, the Chinese negotiating team may request a large discount,
which may be referred to as a “compromise.”

• Emotional restraint is held in high esteem; when dealing with people, one must maintain
harmony within the group and avoid overt conflict.

• Age is revered. Respect and deference are directed from the young to the old, and the
authority and responsibility from the old to the young.

• Hierarchy is very important in Hong Kong business culture, regardless of the size or
nature of the company.

• A clear line of authority is essential in any office, otherwise confusion and resentment may
occur.

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 Negotiating Tips contd.

• Even if you are inclined to be democratic, paying close attention to the hierarchy is
essential.

• Hong Kong employees are keenly aware of the duties that are appropriate to their
position in the office hierarchy.

• Exercise caution when delegating tasks of any kind.

• Asking an employee to do something that is regarded “beneath” or otherwise “outside” his

or her station can be a grave breach of protocol.

• Many companies have a strong authoritative structure demanding impartiality and

obedience.

• Criticism of any kind should be delivered gently and discreetly; it is more effective if sent
through the proper channels.

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 Telephone Etiquette
• Making a call
• Greet, wish the time of day and identify yourself.
• Be articulate (speak slowly and distinctly).
• Be formal (do not assume first names, unless you know the person personally).
• Make sure you mention title Mr & Surname for a first-time person.
• Leave a message if the person is unavailable.

Taking a call
• State your name.
• State where you are speaking from.
• If the person required is on another line, then ask if the speaker can hold.

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 Telephone Etiquette – contd.
• Taking Messages – note down.
• Name of the caller,company name and telephone number.
• Ask when it would be best to return the call.
• Losing Calls (accidental disconnection).
• The caller has to redial (unless client is the caller).
• Handling Interruptions.
• Rude to conduct a long telephone conversation in front of a visitor unless directly relating.
to the business at hand.

• Speaker-phone Etiquette
• Ask permission of the person you are talking to, to turn on the speaker phone
• Identify the people in the room as well.

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 E-mail Etiquette

• Salutations are very important. Begin your email appropriately and end with a
“Thank you ”.
• Be brief.
• The first three lines count the most.
• Be specific.
• Keep the subject line brief & descriptive.
• Be selective
• Who really needs to see the information?
• Be pleasant
• Strive to make every mail a pleasant one.
• A heated tone/message is called a “flaming” mail.
• Using all capitals is considered “Yelling”.

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 E-mail Etiquette [contd.]
• Be clearly identified
– Name, surname, Function/Department, Address.
• Be correct
– Ensure that there are no errors esp. in spellings
• Be careful
– Email is considered the property of the Company
– Think twice about the info you send and to whom

• Be professional
– Email is not a way of avoiding face-to-face contact
• Be compliant
– Most companies reserve the right to monitor mails
– Make sure your box contains mainly official mail
• Be considerate
– Give adequate time for responses

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 Dining and Entertainment
• Tea is the customary beverage for all occasions. When served tea, tap twice on the table
with the two fingers closest to your left thumb. Place the teapot lid upside down (or open if
attached) to signal the waiter for more tea.

• Lunch is always preferred for business meetings over dinner. Never refuse an invitation to
lunch or dinner. If you can't make the date, suggest another date.

• Meeting over a meal of Dimsum is a common business lunch invitation - sometimes even for
Western clients in HK.

• Spouses are usually not included in business dining. Do not bring a spouse unless invited to
do so. If spouses are present, business is generally not discussed.

• Be sure to reciprocate with a banquet of equal quality. Your hotel can assist you in
preparations.

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 Dining and Entertainment contd.
• Rice is served as a filler. Do not eat large amounts, which implies the host has not served
enough food.
• Be sure to eat and show appreciation for shark fin soup if it is offered. This delicacy is
offered only to special guests, and is very expensive
• Oranges or other fruits are served to signal the end of the meal. Leave soon after the meal
ends.
• Food is generally served on a revolving wooden disk, so twirl it when appropriate, towards
you.
• It is bad manners for a host not to keep a guest's plate full, and it is even worse for a guest
not to continue eating as long as the plate is full
• Always leave some food on your dish after you are finished with each course. Otherwise
the host will continue refilling your plate or bowl
• If you can't eat with chopsticks ask for spoon/fork - no need to be embarrassed as there is
a large expatriate population. Do NOT use fingers even if in an Indian restaurant, as the
HK citizens consider it unhygienic.
• Lay your chopsticks on your chopstick rest or neatly on the table when you are finished
eating. Never stick them in a bowl of rice.

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 Dress
• Hong Kong residents are very style-conscious and dress well.
Modesty and cleanliness are very important.
• All types of clothing are worn in Hong Kong. However, taste and
fashion look more toward Japan than Britain or the United States.
• Clothing should be light for summer with sweaters and jackets for
winter.
• For business, men should wear conservative and lightweight
Western-style suits and ties.
• Women should wear conservative dresses, suits or skirts and
blouses.
• Wear a good watch. It will be noticed.
• The Chinese tend to dress up when going out in the evening.
• Most European-style hotel restaurants require a coat and tie in the
evening. Women should wear cocktail dresses or evening clothes.
• It's recommended that you pack washable, lightweight fabrics.
• Try not to wear blue or white at social events; these colours are
associated with death and mourning.

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 Gifts
• Gift giving is a tradition in Hong Kong that communicates respect and friendship. Never go
to a Chinese home without a gift.
• Present and receive a gift with both hands. Do not open a gift upon receiving it.
• The word for the number "3" in Chinese sounds like the word for "life," and the word for the
number "8" sounds like the word for "prosperity."
• The Chinese word for number "9" is a homonym for the word "eternity." Give gifts in these
numbers, if possible.
• Do not give gifts in a group of four; the Chinese word for "4" sounds similar to the word for
"death."
• Avoid giving white or red flowers (white is a symbol of mourning, red is a symbol of blood);
clocks are associated with death, but watches are suitable gifts.
• Every conceivable product can be purchased in Hong Kong. Try to bring something from
your hometown or state.
• If one receives a gift, he or she tries to give a gift in return.
• Unwrapping a gift in front of the giver is not a common practice.

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 Helpful Hints

• The Chinese are famous for communicating by "Saying it without saying it." You will have to
learn to read between the lines.

• Expect Hong Kong Chinese to ask personal questions.

• Compliment Hong Kong Chinese, but expect a denial. Politely deny a compliment to show
humility. Do not say thank you.

• Do not speak loudly.

• Hong Kong Chinese are very superstitious; mentioning failure, poverty or death offends
them.

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 More Hints
• Public transportation via bus, ferry or train is efficient, relatively inexpensive and user-
friendly.

• The system covers extension areas of Hong Kong with signs in English and Chinese.

• Most restaurants will levy a 10 per cent service charge but waiters will expect to be given
some loose change.

• Tipping is left to your discretion. Bellboys, porters, restroom attendants and taxi drivers will
happily accept loose change.

• The standard electrical voltage in HK is 220 volts AC, 50HZ.

• Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world even at night, when people may walk
alone with confidence.

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 Especially for Women

• Foreign businesswomen should have little trouble conducting business in Hong Kong.

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 Short Business Trip (TCS): Arrival

• Change as little currency as possible at the airport (not more than USD 150) for the taxi
to either a TCSer’s place of stay or hotel. Hotel rates of exchange are better than the
airport rates.

• If your business trip is less than or equal to a 3 day stay, buy a 3-day pass for the
airport express (airport to downtown) for subway and bus travel. 1-day passes are also
available. Ask for this immediately after coming out of customs at the airport itself.

• Must-see Tourist Spots for a Short Business Trip

• The Peak at Hong Kong Island - panoramic view of the islands and HK Downtown

• The Buddha at Lantau Island - largest outdoor Buddha in the world

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 Overseas Etiquette

• Ambassador of TCS

• Punctual (irrespective of culture)

• Prepared (rehearsed, articulate)

• Polite (always use “please” & “thank you”; avoid flattering or

currying favour)
• Professional (in dress and manner – no personal questions)

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 References

www.executiveplanet.com

www.windowontheworldinc.com/countryprofile/hong_kong.html

www.asiasource.org/profiles/ap_mp_03.cfm?countryid=17

www.asiasource.org/profiles/ap_mp_03.cfm?countryid=17

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong

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