Culture Comparison: China and Hong Kong

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Cultural Comparison
Introduction
Management is usually a very interesting field or profession. It is also quite flexible. Flexible in the essence that it can be practiced anywhere, or an individual can apply his or her managerial skills in various, diverse environments. This is perhaps why managers can run companies in various parts of the world, very far from their native nations. This, however, raises a few issues. Management in a foreign environment isn't that easy, as it involves having to reset most of the things one knows based on the country of origin. It also calls for the learning of the various cultures across the board and trying to live within them. Embracing a new culture is one of the most difficult, while at the same time, the most vital requirements of management. Taking the case of China and Hong Kong, the two countries might have several similarities, however, it is crucial to have a proper understanding of each culture. Various tools, such as Geert Hofstede's Cultural Comparison Tool can be crucial in doing this.
China and Hong Kong
China has been one of the success stories of the past century and the beginning of this one. It has been arguably the fastest growing economy in the world, something that has even pushed it to the brink of global domination economically. Much of this has been down to its prudent economic decisions and policies, as well as good leadership that ensured such policies were implemented to the latter. Of much importance in this growth too, has been the Chinese culture, which in one way or the other, has also fostered a great breeding ground for not only economic growth but also the development of new ideas that influence technology.
Hong Kong has for a long time been associated with China, with much of its existence being recognized as a special province of China. However, the region has over the past decades been fighting to achieve autonomy and recognition as a nation of its own. Its struggle for autonomy is well documented and still rages on to this day. The region is also well-known for its booming economy that has to a great extent been fueled by technological advancement. Still quite to its roots though, the culture of the people in Hong Kong has also played an important role in the transformation of their region into an economic hub for the world.
Hofstede’s Cultural Comparison for China and Hong Kong
Hofstede's cultural dimension is a framework that provides a lens through which cultural differences between various nations can be identified and understood, provide a way to do business in these cultures or countries (C.F.I). He developed his constructs based on a detailed study and analysis of the various elements that define cultures around the world. From these elements, he summarized or grouped them into six main dimensions; uncertainty avoidance, power distance, masculinity and finally, individualism (Hofstede). The other two are long-term orientation and indulgence. Understanding how these six dimensions work can help explain the differences between the cultures in Hong Kong and China, and further provide a better explanation of how business and management can be done in the two countries.
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