It would appear that my request for a dictaphone and telling another partner that we should not advise a client that non-disclosure is acceptable is a source of great concern to the local partners.
I brush the dictaphone issue off by saying that I have bought my own and as far as I'm concerned the matter is dispensed with.
The issue about non-disclosure is non-negotiable: it is contrary to the law, contrary to ethics of the firm and can open the firm to legal sanction.
It appears that partner in question has gone around to all the other partners and complained that I was disrespectful in questioning her judgement. The local partners frequently join together in a sign of unity, but when it involves Gweilo's, they are the ultimate Band of Brothers/Sisters.
Notwithstanding a vehement defence on my part, the prosecution case is simple:
- it is not for an outsider (Gweilo!) to question the technical or ethical judgement of local partners.
- she has been here longer than me, therefore I listen and accept her judgement - end of story
- this is Hong Kong.
Suitable reprimanded, I depart thinking WTF is this place about.
I decide to put in a call to the Colonel, the area leader, who tells me he doesn't want to get involved in internal problems even though it has serious QRM ramifications. He suggests we flag such matters for the next discussion on QRM. What a cop-out!
I'm on the point of calling an old friend who is global head of QRM but decide to drop it as I reckon if the matter progresses it will be suggested by the locals that either I have lied or it was in fact me who made the non-disclosure suggestion. Cover-up and shifting the blame are artforms here.
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