How you tackle the individualism in your organization?

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Hi all,

just wanna get some experiences sharing from you guys. I have noticed that the work culture here is quite "individualism" in HK for many companies.

when we forming a team consist of members from various dept, the team members are very reluctant to coordinate with other expecially in problems root cause investigation stage. And each dept are often regards themself as "more superior" than other so that they always regards themself as a victim of "being pulled down by others".Also they are not enthusiastic in sharing the information but always complain that other member should "smartly" obtain the information themself through their own way.

We tried team building sessions before, but its not so significant and will appreciate if any of you can share your experiences on how you build your team and break the barrier of individualism work culture here?

[KnowItAll]

MNC? Government?

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MNC,
but with majority locals in the project team. The expats site is fine and they are helpful and cooperative team member. Just the local site are not willing to "leverage" among themself....

But in goverment i know the situation is worse....

any experience sharing?

[KatKat]

Hi there

I'm local and work as a dept manager now in a medium sized firm and worked before in a MNC. I have to build up a team in China & HK. This kind of individualism happens in HK ppl's mind, but it seems not often to see that in Mainland. I think ppl here is always trying to build up a wall between themselves and the others. They treat you as the enemy rather than fds, or colleague. All rite, how to break through , it takes time for you to talk to them and express your points like treat everyone same...no need to hide something behind...it can't change ppl mind in that quick. but it is improving....and see what moltivation behind their mind, i guess it's their status and respect or money they treat important. Maybe , just maybe use this thing as the moltivation for them ....you respect them, share your points, more daily talk to them, let them know like "i know you r master here and can be good teamplayer and have chance to win the prizes in this team competition....u know develop some personal friendship with them.....they need some security from someone to step out of their comfort zone...

Just my thinking from my eyes so far as a HK ppl....hehe

Katkat

[sideduck]

Although I work in a small company and not a large MNC. I think the best way to handle or tackle the problem is to cross train employees. Let them get a feel how different roles work and operate. Once they start learning new things and shadowing different people, they will become more talkative and open and respect each other more. Even having simple brain storming sessions of how to finish a project will bring up ideas because everybody wants to "look good" infront of their managers. This will open up the room to more discussion.