28 November 2016

Hang Seng Management College (HSMC) has launched “Junzi Corporation Survey” for six years to promote the Confucian concept of “Junzi” and business ethics. Formulating a rigorous and scientific research method, awarded companies were selected by Hong Kong people for their respectable business integrity. This laid a foundation of the business ethics standards for the Chinese community.

HSMC was greatly honoured to have more than 400 guests from various academic and business backgrounds, including Mr Steven Ng Tin-hoi, Chairman of Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and Chairman and Managing Director of The Wharf (Holdings) Limited, and President Simon S M Ho  as the officiating guests. Dr George Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company, Ms Susanna Chiu, Director of Li & Fung Development (China) Limited, Dr Ricky Szeto, Executive Director and General Manager of Hung Fook Tong Holdings Limited.

“HSMC HK Business Ethics Index” declined this year

Results of the Junzi Corporation Awards was announced in the ceremony, representatives of awardee companies received the award and delivered the acceptance speech. The “HSMC HK Ethics Index”, which was 62.2 this year, declined comparing with those in 2015 (66.3), 2014 (62.8) and 2013 (64.9), indicating a poorer genuine perception of the Hong Kong public regarding business ethics, especially in media industry and public transportation & services. Retail and catering industries got higher scores. President Simon S M Ho expressed sincere thanks to HSMC staff and students who have contributed in the survey.

President Simon S M Ho said the Junzi Corporation Survey evaluates the extent to which corporations’ actions are in accordance with the Confucian concepts of Junzi and its five virtues, namely “Ren”, “Yi”, “Li”, “Zhi”, “Xin”. It also reflects the Western business ethics concepts of honesty and fairness, giving a more comprehensive and accurate pictures of what business practices are in line with the moral standards and social responsibility. The decline in the index this year reflects that the Hong Kong business community has to work harder to make improvements. He stressed that the award-winning companies this year are exemplary since they could adhere to their beliefs and promote positive values even during economic downturns. He also expressed his sincere thanks to HSMC staffs and students who contributed in the survey.

Promote Cooperation between Business Sector and Social Enterprises

Mr Steven Ng said that collusion between business community and government for private gain will not be tolerated, but it should be encouraged if it is for Hong Kong’s public interests. He noted that nowadays more and more companies start to provide services for public good. They assimilate into society to enhance communication and reduce boundaries. Companies contribute with both money and effort to cooperate with the social enterprises for a better Hong Kong. He believes that this trend in Hong Kong is gratifying, constructing a more positive relationship between the business sector and the society. He also congratulated the award-winning companies and praised that their spirit has brought Hong Kong good reputation in the world and hoped that they would continue to maintain the characters and pass on the believes.

“Business Ethics Forum” sharing on importance of Business Ethics

President Ho then hosted the Business Ethics Forum with Dr George Lam, together with representatives of the award winning companies to discuss about the importance of business ethics and the implications. Ms Alison Ho, Director of Corporate Responsibility of Hang Seng Bank, emphasised the importance of communicating with customers to have better understanding in order to provide the most suitable services and build trust between each other. Mr Benjamin Lee, Operations Manager of Hong Kong Tramways, said that the employees have made major contributions for the company to serve Hong Kong for so many years. Therefore, the company puts much efforts to employees’ welfare and happiness, making they feel being in a warm family. Mr Johnny Leung, General Manager of The “Star” Ferry Company, Limited, said that when a company enjoys competitive advantages, it should consider the interests of other stakeholders. In addition to maintaining the quality of service, establishing reputation and retaining the collective memories of the people of Hong Kong, it is also necessary to provide better and more diversified services.

Mr George Lam concluded that integrity of business practitioners is very important, being legal is the minimum requirements. Instead, companies should have a higher standard of conduct requirement. He also encouraged young entrepreneurs not to only promote themselves, but also to accurately reflect companies’ development in the early stage of their business.

Winners of Junzi Corporation Survey and Award 2016

Junzi Corporation Exemplary Award

• Coils Electronic Company Limited (Brand: 759 Store)
• Hang Seng Bank
• Hong Kong Tramways Limited

Junzi Corporation Award