If there is some flexibility between parties, then there is a greater chance of achieving agreement through negotiation. If there is not, the chances of a successful outcome are slim. The parties will be disappointed with the result of the negotiations.

An added problem is that we are now a divided society. This should be a major source of concern. There is also another issue. When people involved in negotiations are from different political camps, they still need to be responsible to their constituents. The difficult thing is that these constituents have a wide range of views on political reform. Many are not willing to compromise. This puts further pressure on the parties involved in negotiations. There will be less room to reach a compromise. So those involved in negotiations will become intransigent and unwilling to make concessions. When opposing parties stand firm in their demands, the negotiation process goes nowhere.

In addition, a divided society means it is difficult to have rational, open debate on political reform. The concerned parties are only interested in their own views and not in the viewpoints of others. When one reads posts on Internet discussion forums for example, it is possible to see the extent of difference in the viewpoints expressed. The sad thing is people tend to be intolerant of opposing viewpoints. Whenever one camp comes up against opposing viewpoints, it labels these opinions by the other camp as worthless or "50 cents" (it is said that some parties pay 50 cents to place a post on the Internet). Some even label such posts using the more insulting name of "dogs". Clearly, these discussions are based on people's personal beliefs and there are few signs of a rational debate. This shows us, to some extent, where society is heading. Sadly there is no sign of any change in sight.

When a society is this divisive, moderate views are overlooked or abandoned and extreme views from both sides tend to predominate. Moreover, the media in a polarized society may not pay much attention to reporting the moderate views. The silent majority have no chance to voice their concerns. It is also difficult for the government to implement political reforms. It becomes harder for civil servants and officials to implement other policies. Society suffers in many ways from deep division. It will take a long time for Hong Kong to overcome this.

The author is dean of the School of Business at Hang Seng Management College.