"Exactly what I do"--Help Korea-Based Firms Communicate Better

Yesterday an academic colleague quizzed me on “…exactly what I did?”

My short answer was “I helped Korea-based global firms communicate better.”

My friend asked me to elaborate. I explained that Korea-based business groups like Samsung, LG, Hanjin, and Hyundai-Kia had aggressive global expansion agendas. My work centers on assisting Korean management and their global partners align cross-cultural management. This work includes global training programs, consulting, and supporting executive teams.

As scholars tend to probe for insights, my colleague then asked what I thought were “the greatest challenges for Korea-based global firms in 2006.” I noted that distinct, culturally-rooted business norms, management practices, and communication styles often led to trust issues and misunderstandings.

I pointed out my three priorities in addressing these issues and concerns.

1. Educate non-Korean host country teams (Americans, Brits, Canadians, etc.) on Korean business norms and company cultures. For example, I focus considerable time defining and explaining the Hyundai-Kia Motor Company culture to non-Korean teams and executives.

2. Localize Korean global teams in host region and county norms that impact the workplace and management.

3. Share the unique cultural differences, business norms, and corporate culture to joint Korean and non-Korean management teams. My goal is to build teamwork, foster understanding, strengthen cooperation, and align management.



I concluded the conversation by noting my work looked to:
Build upon strengths in each respective culture to create teamwork and synergy.
Foster inter-group understanding and cooperation, which leads to trust.
High trust, in turn, is key to achieving hefty goals.

Questions, just please call 310-866-3777 or email dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com