We've all heard stories (sometimes nightmarish stories) about running a business in China. Despite the geographical proximity and similarities in culture and language, CIOs in Hong Kong face challenges in managing their IT shops in the mainland.

Whether they plan to establish branch offices or set up joint ventures in China, Hong Kong's IT decision makers share four major inevitable differences: management culture, scale of business, team management and regulatory requirements.

However, differences may not necessarily mean challenges. When CIOs are aware of these differences and open to diversity, their jobs become much easier.

Management philosophy

IT is an enabler for business processes. When enterprises expand their businesses to China, IT is a key enabler in bringing their established business processes and best practices to the new market, said George Fok, managing director of PCCW Solutions-the IT service arm of PCCW provides system integration and project management services for Hong Kong enterprises and multinational corporations as well as mainland Chinese enterprises.