Hiring in China - Dangers Ahead (II)

By Frank Mulligan, Talent Software

Yesterday, I began looking at the dangers ahead for HR in China. But there is more .....

Generations The one-child policy generation in China, is very much like the Net Generation world-wide. They are very different from previous generations and cannot be brought on board with a weak hiring process. You have to sell them on a position, and sell them hard.

You can expect high levels of independence, high and continuously expanding expectations, a lack of respect for aging leaders and a strong preference for balancing work and play & communications. To spell it out this means that young Chinese professionals live in a world of World of Warcraft, IPod, Mobile Phone email, PSP, MSN, Skype, ICQ and 3G Phones. A common or garden Resume interview won’t cut it with them.

Skills Flow People with strong skills in China are moving East. Unfortunately, for cost reasons, companies in China are moving West.

The transition is not always a pretty sight for companies. For qualified people in China, it is.

You need to plan for this one and be ready when your company finally decides that the cost base in the East of China is too high. The professional you need will be heading the other way, and the ones you have inhouse will tell you that they come from the West and have no intention of going back.

Retention Staff in China no longer fear the loss of the Iron Rice Bowl. The younger generation is so well supported by parents and grandparents there is no rationale reason for fear. Hence the high rates of turnover. If you lose track of your staff’s motivations and life events for more than one second they are gone. Pay close attention to marraiges, moving out of the parent’s home, divorce, house purchases, family troubles etc.

More tomorrow.....

Comments to: frank.mulligan@recruit-china.com