China Staff articles from November 2003

China Staff archives from November 2003

The battle for talent: are there really no rules of engagement? The recent unprecedented growth in China has set the stage for an intense competition for talent. Jessica Caplan of China STAFF speaks to different individuals in the industry to uncover the current realities of the battleground and what companies can do to defend themselves.(Poaching in China)
November 1, 2003... The economics of the human resources dilemma in China is straightforward. With the influx of multinational companies and the rise of aggressive local private companies, the demand for skilled staff has simply outpaced supply. In the face of...

Proactive HR in the metamorphosis of corporate governance: in a new era of scrutiny and legal oversight, the HR function is well suited to steering corporate governance in the right direction. Charles Caldwell of Juniper Networks argues how strong ethical leadership and personal governance can help lead to the effective management of corporate governance.(Corporate Governance)
November 1, 2003... Typically when people mention "Corporate Governance", the term conjures up images of accountants, lawyers and Board of Directors working together to verify that an organisation is conducting business adequately. Dramatic headlines of corporate...

Dismissal without a valid reason: employers unnerved by the initial decision in Vincent v South China Morning Post can now find closure in the long-awaited appeal decision handed down by the Courts. Fiona Loughrey & Cherie Choi of Simmons & Simmons explain the key findings.
November 1, 2003... The provisions of Part VIA of the Employment Ordinance (EO) allow employees with at least two years' service to challenge an employer's decision to dismiss; but an employer may successfully defend a claim by establishing a "valid reason" for...

Managing talent is key in a challenging business environment: opportunities in China are matchless. Before companies can begin to capitalise on them, they must realise the quality of talent will be the major contributor to competitive advantage, writes Vincent Gauthier of Hewitt Associates.
November 1, 2003... China and its economy are at a pivotal point. The pace of change is exhilarating. While policy makers in the rest of Asia wonder how to regain competitive advantages and the attention of foreign investors, China figures ever more prominently in...

Workplace safety high on government agenda.(Hong Kong News)(Hong Kong Occupational Safety and Health Association)
November 1, 2003... The Government attaches great importance to occupational safety in Hong Kong and is endeavouring to enhance it through legislation, law enforcement, education, training and promotion. The Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Labour,...

Complex MPF charges befuddle many.(Hong Kong News)(Mandatory Provident Fund)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Half the number of employees enrolled in the Mandatory Provident Fund are not aware of the charges they have to pay, according to a Consumer Council report. The Standard reported that the council attributed the lack of awareness to several...

Higher degree does not mean better jobs, experts say.(China News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Human resources experts warn that a higher degree does not necessarily lead to better jobs. According to a report in China Daily, in the northern port city of Tianjin, graduates with bachelor's degrees or even those with diplomas were employed...

Scarcity of skilled managers and technicians in China.(China News)
November 1, 2003... A latest survey finding released by Hewitt Associates is telling of the dire talent shortage in Mainland China. The scarcity of skilled senior managers and technicians is increasingly worrying employers and labour policymakers. Hiring...

Data page.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
November 1, 2003... Summary of Base Salary Increases (Professional/Supervisory/Technical) Percentage Increase 2003 Actual 2004 Projected Australia 4.1 4.0 China 7.1 7.9 Hong Kong ...