Page 15 - Accelerating Research and Impact - Issue 6

Promoting workplace diversity can blur the socio-political
differences between mainland and Hong Kong professionals
Many of mainland talents have encountered significant social divisions in workplaces during social incidents in 2014 and 2019. The social divisions mirror existing cleavages along ethnic, linguistic, ideological and even consumeristic lines between Hong Kong people and mainland Chinese. The political distinction between mainland talents and Hong Kong professionals corresponds to a socio-cultural distinction between broadly the same segments of the community. The high within-group ties and consistent lines of cleavages are mutually reinforcing in the social incidents.
Key policy recommendations
• Focus on promoting professional exchange between mainland and Hong Kong professionals in workplace and professional associations
The research project “From Bonding to Bridging: Building Social Cohesion between Mainland Talents and Hong Kong Professionals” conducted by Prof Vincent Zhouyi WEN of Asia- Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies with the funding from the special round of the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme, Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office, aims to identify the effective way of enhancing intergroup contact between mainland talents and Hong Kong professionals.
Research from May to October 2020, mainland talents highly appreciate the expertise and experience of their Hong Kong colleagues. Professional collaboration in the workplace provides a solid foundation for intergroup contact. Hong Kong’s international environment and merit-based institutions also facilitate the interaction.
• Promote workplace diversity to blur the socio-political fault lines between mainland talents and Hong Kong professionals
• Encourage universities to enhance the multicultural opportunities for students, and nurture their cultural competence
Caring for Lives Around Us
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