30
4-3
42
Second, there is the great importance in the Hong Kong
such as the great
business structure of a few large organisations
trading companies especially in white-collar employment. There are
moreover, at least two systems of linkage between individual concerns
apart from the various trade and industrial associations: on the one
hand, the extent of common ownership, mutual shareholding and inter-
locking directorships; and on the other hand (particularly in Chinese
concerns) the system of family linkage. Thus in one major European-
owned concern, Hong Kong Tramways, we were told that it was effectively
a subsidiary of the Hong Kong & Kowloon, Wharf and Godown Co., which
also owns the major Ferry Company, and was "connected" with Jardine's
(one of the great trading companies) through the chairmanship.
The other situation, an important Chinese garment manufacturer may
illustrate. This was associated with seven other firms in different
sections of the textile, garment or associated industries by having in
each case a member of the same family as managing director: one of the
firms was an important member of the Spinners' Association (itself an
affiliation of 32 companies).
455.
Thirdly, there is a highly developed system of systematic
information exchange on pay rates and associated conditions. The
administration itself, of course, publishes a good deal of data: but
salary surveys are also conducted by agencies such as the Hong Kong
Management Association and the Productivity Centre, and there are several
groups of firms which operate private "information clubs" for the
exchange of data on these matters. There is a personnel managers'
club which appears also to interest itself in the promotion of such
things.
.../