Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

Just posted-- a new vodcast sharing an update on Bridging Culture Worldwide , the Korea WEST internship program, our new book Chemulpo to Songdo IBD : Korea's International Gateway , Korea 2.0 , a Korea Society podcast discussing the Korean car industry, and Korea Cuisine , a blog looking at classic Korean foods. Lots shared in a concise video sponsored by Bridging Culture Worldwide and Korea Business Central .

By Don Southerton The past few weeks have been an exciting time. Korea's economy continues to rebound. Our training and coaching programs continue to be popular and effective. In fact, in November, we’ll be in Korea working with teams from around the world. Meanwhile, our new pictorial history book Chemulpo to Songdo IBD: Korea’s International Gateway continues to be popular. We share it globally at www.chemulpotosongdoibd.com and through Goggle Books . We also continue to support Korea WEST, a US and Korean government program that allows Korean university students and recent graduates to travel to America, polish their English language skills then work as an intern to better understand Western business practices. Placement for the next group of students in now underway. I encourage you to support Korea WEST . What also has me excited this fall is an all-new BCW program. We call it Korea 2.0. We’ve posted a number of Vodcasts on YouTube. Your can find them by searching under Kor...

On September 9, 2009, Don Southerton, author, Korean business expert, and president and CEO of Bridging Culture Worldwide, shared his insights into the Korean car industry with the members of The Korea Society, and explained how Hyundai and Kia Motors made their amazing drive to the top of the market. Here's the Link For more information, please contact Bridging Culture Worldwide or Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

"Getting it" I'm working with a new client this week sharing Korean culture, management norms, and workplace insights. Feedback has been very positive. Some Korean-based firms recognize the importance of offering their teams (western and Korean) cross cultural training. Sadly many do not. Expected the team to "get it" takes time and many never gain insights that would improve productivity and communications. Doing nothing also confirms to some that the company is ignoring the problem. My advice is simply. Offer both non-Korean and Korean management teams cross-cultural training. For Korean overseas executives, newly assigned to America (Europe, etc), cross-cultural, localization, and trust-building skills are essential. For new American management and teams insights into Korean culture, norms, and workplace expectations is vital. BTW Management and teams given the training and coaching are like a sponge soaking up the info. Give your team the opportunity. Plea...

I am frequently asked to recommend books on Korea and its culture. Understanding Korea's past and present is an important step in comprehending its business culture, norms, and common practices. A great place to begin is with several books I've authored. The books will give you and your team some background on Korea's recent past. My focus is early Western influence in Korea, although I write on contemporary Korean culture, too. (Click title for link with more info) Non-fiction The Filleys: 350 Years of American Entrepreneurial Spirit A great book for Koreans wishing to learn more about the American legacy for entrepreneurship. Intrepid Americans: Bold Koreans—Early Korean Trade, Concessions, And Entrepreneurship A wonderful look at early US and Korean business endeavors. The Sioux in South Dakota (Contributing author) I know it's not about Korea, but it's something I often share with Korean teams. Fiction A Yankee in the Land of the Morning Calm: A Histo...

By Don Southerton Korean economic indicators seem to be positive and signs of recovery strengthening. Employment is also on the upswing. GDP Growth Chosun Ilbo notes Korea to Post Higher-Than-Expected Growth for Q3 Korea's economy is expected to post growth of around 2 percent for the third quarter, far exceeding the government's original prediction of 1 percent. The economy already grew a surprise 2.6 percent in the second quarter. According to the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the Bank of Korea (BOK) on Wednesday, GDP growth is expected to be higher than the estimate thanks to increases in exports, spending and production. The BOK had in July predicted little more than zero growth for the third quarter. The state-funded Korea Development Institute forecast 1.4 percent growth. BOK Governor Lee Seong-tae said in the Monetary Policy Committee on Oct. 9, "The figures for the third quarter will be stronger than originally expected thanks to inventory adjustment....

Often a picture can share much. Korea has been split since 1945. I see it as two nations, but one people. Many who have fled the North still see it as home-- one they cannot visit or return to under current conditions. Thanks to Eric Corriveau and Vicky for the photo.

Korea Business Central - An Open Online Community Focused on Doing Business in Korea http://www.koreabusinesscentral.com/ A CENTRAL HUB of dynamically updated content where members can network, learn and discuss business in Korea and with Koreans everywhere.

Most late afternoons, ( if I'm not in Korea), I connect to teams in Korea. 8 am in Korea is 4 pm pst. We discuss projects, share updates, and review plans. Virtual meetings and web technology make this possible. On another level, I stay in tune with Korea on a daily basis. Bridging Culture Worldwide's focus is building cross-cultural understanding with organizations linked to Korean business. We see each client's needs as unique. Over the years, BCW has worked with hundreds of clients to improve their understanding of Korean and global business. ( We also assist Korean teams in learning about their global partners.) I get this question often... "Exactly what does BCW do?" After a moment of thought, I usually respond with a recap on work BCW had performed that week.... We... 1. Educated an American management team working for a global Korean-maker on the differences between Korean, international, and American business practices. 2. Shared with senior American lea...

Much of my work centers on sharing with Korean global teams insights and skills regarding Korean business, norms, and expectations. First, one needs a deep understanding of the client firm's history, corporate culture, and vision. Second one needs to have sufficient knowledge of the client firm's home country and people. Finally one needs to be able to effectively share the message with a diverse global audience. This takes cross-cultural communications skills, while being mindful of cultural differences in learning. Remember there is no right or wrong culture, they are just different. BTW I'll be back in Korea in a few weeks working with global teams, it's something I truly enjoy and take very seriously.

Day 30 This is day 30 of Bridging Culture Worldwide's month of cross- cultural thoughts and hints to boost your understanding on Korea business, norms and expectation. We hope the posting build upon your experiences, while providing new understandings that lead to solutions. Some final thoughts... 1. In Korea, no two individuals have the same rank or status. Understanding your “place” is important. 2. Vendors, suppliers, and subsidiaries are seen as having a lower status than the mother organization. 3. Age, the firm one works for, position/title, and education determine a person’s status. These factors then determine protocols such as where one sits in meetings and who sits next to whom in social events. BTW, don’t worry about learning all the rules that apply to the Korean workplace, but just be aware. 4. Business cards serve as way to help determine status and position. Koreans will use the cards you share to determine your “place." In Korea, a business card ho...

Day 29 I am preparing lectures for a global leadership training program. My Korean client will host team members from across their global network--many from Europe and Asia Pacific. I have to compliment the Korean company for recognizing the need to inform and educate members of their organization in corporate culture and history. We also spend considerable time sharing Korean and Company mindset, expectations, and vision. Few Korea companies take the time and effort to share with their global teams. It's money and resources well spent. Outcomes include improved productivity, better teamwork, and greater loyalty . I strongly suggest all Korea based organization follow this success model. I'd also encourage all their overseas teams develop culture programs. BCW can assist.