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Why filipino helpers in Hong Kong prefer Western employers

06.03.2008 · Posted in Miscellaneous Articles

A huge number of filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong usually call our employment agency and ask if we have Western employers available. What is it that filipino domestic helpers prefer Western employers instead of Chinese employers ?rnrnI often given them a resounding “Yes” since our agency receives requirements for domestic assistance from expatriates from time to time. Thanks to the power of internet marketing.rnrnBut out of curiosity, I usually interview those Filipina maids why they want to work for Western employers more than the Chinese employers in Hong Kong. They said that the former tend to be more understanding and generous in terms of compensation compared with the latter.rnrnA study has been conducted by Chinese University of Hong Kong on how maids in Hong Kong are treated by their employers. Comparisons between Western and Chinese employers on their treatment of Filipina helpers are done in consideration of four major areas namely atmosphere of work environment, consideration, socio-psychological distance and personal space.rnrnThe data were based on in-depth and structured interviews of Filipina helpers who have served both types of employers. A few Western and Chinese employers were also interviewed.rnrnThe study shows that Western employers tend to provide their Filipina maids with easier and more comfortable work environment compared with the Chinese employers. They are more considerate, and are more likely to treat their maids equally and to allow them more personal space, thus, giving their helpers more satisfaction in working for them.rnrnWith the treatment of Filipina maids, homogeneity of expectations, attitudes and actions is also a trait of Western employers, as the study shows. Unlike the Chinese employers who are more detailed in expectations and diversified, Western employers tend to concentrate, generally, on the positive side. To sum it up, Filipina maids are more likely to know what Western employers are expecting of them and how they would be treated versus the Chinese whose treatment would greatly vary from one employer to the other.

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