Relationships and Respect
Hong Kong’s culture is generally group-oriented. Asserting individual preferences may be seen as
less important than having a sense of belonging to a group, conforming to its norms, and maintaining
harmony among its members. Building lasting and trusting personal relationships is therefore
very important. While members of other cultures may expect this to happen gradually over the
course of a business engagement, many Hong Kong Chinese expect to establish some level of relationship
prior to closing any deals. Although this is gradually changing, it is still advantageous
to proceed with serious business discussions only aft er you allowed your counterparts to become
comfortable with you as a person. Once you have proven yourself a trustworthy partner, making the
next deal will become much easier.
Relationships are based on familiarity, respect, and personal trust. Unlike in most western countries,
business relationships in Hong Kong exist mostly between individuals or groups of people rather
than between companies. Accordingly, if your company replaces you with another representative,
relationships need to be built anew.
In Hong Kong’s culture, ‘saving face’ is also critical. Harmony must be maintained at all cost, and
emotional restraint is held in high esteem. Causing embarrassment to another person may cause a
loss of face for all parties involved and can be disastrous for business negotiations. Reputation and
social standing strongly depend on a person’s ability to control one’s emotions and remain friendly
at all times. If you have to bring up an unpleasant topic with a person, never do so in public and
always convey your message in ways that maintain the other’s self-respect. The importance of diplomatic
restraint and tact cannot be overestimated. Keep your cool and never show openly that you
are upset.
Remaining modest and doing everything you can to maintain cordial relations is crucial to your
success. When receiving praise, insist that you are not worthy of it or belitt le your accomplishments,
but thank the other for the compliment. This should not stop you from complimenting others. While
the Hong Kong Chinese view politeness and humility as essential ingredients for a successful relationship,
these factors do not aff ect their determination to reach business goals. They are patient and
persistent in pursuing their objectives. It is in your best interest to do the same.