Finnish expatriates' experiences in Hong Kong : challenges in relocation
Laakso, Ella (2018)
Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu
2018
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018120319584
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018120319584
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this thesis was to conduct a survey to study Finnish expatriates for the thesis commissioner, Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (FinnCham). The main research question, which the thesis aims to answer, is about challenges Finns face in their relocation process to Hong Kong. The results and insight gained from this research will assist FinnCham to target, design and plan their future services better for their members.
The research was conducted primarily among the target group of Finns having lived in Hong Kong for work, study or other purposes less than 12 months, using online questionnaire form. Secondary data collection method was completed with additional questions via e-mail to gain deeper insight on the results. The collected data was then reflected against global survey results of the subject and analysed based on the theoretical back-ground of the thesis.
The results of this thesis show that majority of the respondents had experienced practical matters concerning housing and bureaucracy the most challenging in their relocation. However, Hong Kong and its culture were easy to adapt due to city’s Western appeal and vibrant atmosphere. This made it easy to make friends and build professional networks.
The findings show that even though cultural matters did not cause many challenges, the level of cultural knowledge and preparedness for the destination culture beforehand had a beneficial impact in the relocation process itself.
The research was conducted primarily among the target group of Finns having lived in Hong Kong for work, study or other purposes less than 12 months, using online questionnaire form. Secondary data collection method was completed with additional questions via e-mail to gain deeper insight on the results. The collected data was then reflected against global survey results of the subject and analysed based on the theoretical back-ground of the thesis.
The results of this thesis show that majority of the respondents had experienced practical matters concerning housing and bureaucracy the most challenging in their relocation. However, Hong Kong and its culture were easy to adapt due to city’s Western appeal and vibrant atmosphere. This made it easy to make friends and build professional networks.
The findings show that even though cultural matters did not cause many challenges, the level of cultural knowledge and preparedness for the destination culture beforehand had a beneficial impact in the relocation process itself.