15.
Another aspect of this is that open confrontations should be avoided
because they risk a loss of face. llence, a disagreement amongst members
of a union may lead to the formation of a new union by dissidents rather
than an internal faction fight.
Of more appareat significance, is the industrial growth and
westemization of liong Kong. The uncertain future of Hong Kong and the-
progressive decline of traditional Chinese cultural values such as patience
appears to have fostered a new breed of younger workers actively seeking
immediate economic improvements. There is a growing recognition of the
...
tenuous position-of the-colonial government and its reliance on the consent
14
of the Chinese community.
In Britain, powerful political interests see
Hong Kong as an embarrassing anachronism.
The-economic arguments of the pro
Hong Kong lobby have been severely questioned in the light of domestic
employment problems allegedly. due to competition from Hong Kong imports and
-the transfer of Hong Kong foreign exchange reserves out of sterling.
importantly, the long tera policy of Peking remains ambiguous. The confidence.
exuded by local business people is not shared by many senior government officials.
Within the civil service, the success of small organised groups in
extracting concessions from the government through informal action has.
encouraged collective-awareness amongst civil servants. The administration's
clumsy and authoritarian handling of salary-questions involving teachers. and
nurses in the late 60's and early 70's led to protracted disputes that
considerably embarrassed the government, exposed its vulnerability to public
and industrial pressure and stimulated interest in unions. Later actions by
15 clerical officers, demarcators and air traffic controllers reinforced the
lesson.
:
Officials in recently formed associations were prone to mention these
disputes as demonstrating what could and 'must' be obtained outside formal
14.
15.
For a more detailed explanation of this point see N.J. Miners, The Government and Politics of Hong Kong (East Asian Science Monographs) Oxford University Press, 1975.
Now called the Land Inspectors Association.