HONG KONG: Hong Kong workers are less dedicated to their work than their Beijing counterparts and they're less satisfied, a study has shown.

The study conducted by Lingnan University, University of Hong Kong and the Chinese Academy of Sciences surveyed 1,000 workers from Hong Kong and Beijing.

Hong Kong people are less happy in their work in general and more likely to change jobs, according to the study. Hong Kong scored 3.24 out of 5.00 on the job satisfaction scale, compared to Beijing's 3.58. On tendency to leave their jobs, Hong Kongers scored 2.19 while Beijing scored 2.09.

Professor Siu Oi-ling of the Department of Sociology and Social Policy of Lingnan University attributes the difference to lower morale among employees in Hong Kong. The city has been especially hard hit by the economic crisis creating a high unemployment rate, she said.

Employees here often are concerned that they might lose their jobs. This feeling of insecurity lowers commitment and dedication to jobs.

The report shows that Beijingers are more proactive, positive and energetic compared to the average Hong Konger. Beijingers scored 3.51 out of 5.00 on job dedication and 3.49 out of 5.00 for energy, compared to 3.22 and 3.26 respectively for workers in Hong Kong.

Professor Siu said part of the reason that Beijing workers perform better at work is that they have more support from superiors,colleagues, friends and family. This enables them to rebound from problems at work more quickly and thus become more dedicated in the long run.

Beijingers achieve a better work-life balance and experience less conflict in the home, she said. They generally are more content with family life.

Siu suggests that Hong Kong businesses focus attention on giving worker's a greater sense of security by giving them more support.

On a management level, Chiu suggests maintaining flexible working hours, permitting paid leave and arranging company transportation to foster a better employer-employee relationship.

Organizations should also promote a healthier work-life balance among all employees, she added.

(HK Edition 05/12/2009 page1)