Motivating IT professionals-the Hong Kong challenge

The BRAIN DRAIN problem in Hong Kong is causing chaos in the IT profession there. The problems behind this are mainly assumed to be political. Whilst, a decrease of confidence is undoubtedly a major factor there are also underlying reasons related to the satisfaction which can be obtained by professionals from the job itself. The authors describe the results of an international research collaboration into the motivation potential of jobs in the computing profession. The high mismatch between the motivating potential of computing jobs in Hong Kong and the growth needs of practicing professionals would seem to be a major contributor to the exceptionally high turnover in staff and must certainly contribute to reduced productivity within the computing community. Furthermore, Hong Kong is not a singular phenomenon-results from Korea and Thailand suggest the presence of a unique `Asian factor´ related to the need for social growth. The challenge for MIS managers in Hong Kong is to develop a long term plan for their IT strategy which relates to re-organisation of IT services, IT training, IT investment and, not least, to develop a `people strategy´ including a review of job design, future staff development programmes and compensation packages in the industry