Workplace adjustments of hong kong migrant supervisors

Abstract

This is a study of the social adjustments required of Hong Kong Chinese migrants in the Australian workplace, based on interviews with 52 (29 male and 23 female) subjects who had supervisory responsibilities as managers or professionals in both countries. Their responses to open-ended questions on cultural differences in workplace management, being a supervisor, and being a subordinate (where appropriate) were content analysed. The results suggest various cultural differences requiring workplace adjustments. These include adapting to a smaller power distance between supervisors and subordinates, the Australians' acceptance of a greater latitude of individual expression, a more relaxed work ethic, and a more direct and participatory communication style. Implications for preventing and alleviating work stress due to crosscultural adaptation are discussed.