Abstract
Hong Kong is probably one of the very few places in the world where it is generally acceptable to answer incoming mobile phone calls in public places or even in the middle of a business or social meeting. In many other parts of the world, this kind of behaviour would be considered impolite or even rude because it interrupts conversations or activities. There has been considerable research carried out on mobile phones and interruption, as well as mobile phones and culture. However, there is little evidence of research on the impact of culture on the specific notion of interruption caused by mobile phones. To fill this knowledge gap, this paper presents an ethnographic study about how the Hong Kong cultural features of fast pace, deal-making and sense of urgency result in a positive perception towards mobile phone interruption. The findings indicate that Hong Kong people have innovative mobile phone communication strategies, characteristically juggling multiple identities in their stressful work pace, virtually racing with time. Comparison with other contexts is made.
Recommended Citation
Chan, Shirley; Vogel, Douglas; and Ma, Louis, "Mobile Phone Communication Innovation in Multiple Time and Space Zones: The Case of Hong Kong Culture" (2006). PACIS 2006 Proceedings. 102.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/pacis2006/102