Hong Kong´s business culture emphasizes personal reputation. Managing your reputation is thus one of the most important success factors when doing business in Hong Kong.
Take pains to avoid being confronted by co-workers or proven wrong by clients. These conflicts can cause you to lose face in the business world, which could hurt your future business prospects.
Always take care to be respectful of your employees and clients, and make sure to dress in an appropriate fashion. This means suits and ties for men and pant-suits or business skirts for women.
Expect to attend lavish business dinners, as the extravagant dinner or office party is another hallmark of the Hong Kong business world. This is especially true around the time of the Chinese New Year, when you will likely attend a number of functions. Depending on your business and position, you may even be expected to hand out traditional Good Luck Money, which is distributed to employees in red packets as a sign of good fortune for the upcoming year.
Belief in luck and superstitions is a major element of Chinese culture that has translated into the Hong Kong business world. It is not unusual to hear colleagues blame business fortunes or misfortunes on their luck (or lack thereof!) rather than more traditional economic factors. In spite of Hong Kong´s global economy, its business culture is still rooted in the eastern tradition. Keep an open mind toward cultural differences, and if you are unsure of where you stand in a particular social situation or cultural crossroads, look for social cues (especially from a host at an event) to help guide your behaviour.
Finally, expect to enter a work force in which women often hold senior positions at major companies and banks. Large numbers of women are active and successful in Hong Kong´s business world, as evidenced by the existence of a number of women´s business and professional associations.
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