Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

Don Southerton Books 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 ...

Bridging Culture Worldwide's focus is building cross-cultural understanding with Korea-facing organizations and business. Don Southerton, Bridging Culture Worldwide CEO We see each client's needs as unique. Over the years, BCW has worked with hundreds of clients to improve their understanding of Korean business. (We also assist Korean teams in learning about their global partners.) I’m often asked, "Exactly what does Bridging Culture Worldwide do?" Most often I respond with a recap on work BCW has performed that day and week.... For example, we recently…. conducted a workshop for an American team on skills for better interacting with Korean expatriates. coached key global leadership for a firm with a major Korea-facing contract on Korean corporate culture and expectations. have begun to develop a comprehensive cross-cultural joint venture approach for a U.S.-based franchise operation eager to enter the dynamic Korean and Asia-Pacific market. How can we help your f...

First, the BCW YouTube Channel offers over 20 timely and relevant cross-cultural videos. Click Here http://www.youtube.com/user/ds19192 Next, this blog, Bridging Culture Worldwide Korea, offers nearly 1,000 articles commenting on Korean global business and popular culture. Click Here http://bridgingculturekorea.blogspot.com/ Then, use the search function to target specific topics. Another interesting resource is KoreaLegal.org , which provide information on recent developments in U.S.-Korean legal, Foreign Direct Investment, and business affairs, as well as topics such as family court, litigation, labor, and intellectual property issues. Click Here http://www.korealegal.org Finally, we are always open to questions regarding Korea-facing issues. Call us at 310-866-3777 or email us at dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

Offshore Wind Farm By Don Southerton, CEO Bridging Culture Worldwide Early in recent global recession, the South Korean government determined Green and renewable energy technology would be a key growth engine for the ROK economy. A number of Korea firms quickly embraced the mandate. Each week I see these efforts unfolding. For example LG Chem (through its subsidiary Compact Power) will be building a huge battery production facility in Holland, Michigan. Meanwhile Hyundai Heavy Industries is supplying wind power turbine technology to a number of U.S. renewable energy projects. Other Korea based firms such as Seoul-based CT&T’s U.S. subsidiary and Spartanburg-based 2AM Group will make low-speed electric vehicles at its first North American production This Samsung Economic Reseach Institue (SERI) provides gives a great overview of Korea's renewable energy (i.e. wind power) industry. SERI LINK Korea's Wind Energy Industry Eyeing Overseas Markets ...

I find that most leadership recognizes the importance of cross-culturalism, but stop short of actually taking action. Teams and leadership need practical skills and situational coaching--results and better communications will soon follow. Kia Motors America (a division of the Hyundai Kia Motor Group) does a great job providing their teams with Korean cross-cultural support. This includes Korean culture training for new employees and ongoing Korean cross-cultural workshops for the team. Most recently I shared my insights to a group of summer interns working at the KMA headquarters in Irvine, California. I strongly recommend all Korea facing firms follow Kia Motors’ forward thinking and proactive approach to global business. BCW offers a full range of programs to meet your needs. Kia Motors’ Korean Culture Training July 2010

Welcome to this vodcast edition of Everything Korean, sponsored by Bridging Culture Worldwide and Korea Business Central.com. BCW’s mid-year 2010 commentary provides a frank update into recent developments and trends. Questions? Comments?   Contact   Don Southerton

Don Southerton By Don Southerton, CEO Bridging Culture Worldwide Bridging Culture Worldwide’s executive-level commentaries share a first hand insight into Korean-facing global business. BCW’s mid-year 2010 commentary provides a frank update into recent developments and trends. The report then shares some timely recommendations.    The Economy Over the past three reports I’ve found it difficult not to discuss economic issues. So too, this commentary begins with the economy. Most recently fresh worries center on Europe’s debt and fear of a Double Dip recession. For Korean global companies like Samsung, Hyundai-Kia, and LG European concern is warranted. Over the past few years, they’ve all seen huge increased market share across this region. Moreover, over the past several years the firms have made huge investments in new production facilities, logistics centers, and sales organizations.   More upbeat, President Obama announced his plan to submit the long stalled KO...

Since our founding, Bridging Culture Worldwide has focused on Korea-related business services. Based on over 30 years of experience, we share cross-cultural insights to global teams and management so they can be more effective.  Our core services: Consulting, Training, and  Research Legal Consulting and Expert Witness Services  Publications, Corporate Blogs, and Vodcasts FDI Development, Product Launch, IP, and Trademark BCW J-1 Visa Intern Program Contact Information Offices: Southern California, Denver, Colorado, and South Korea +1-310-866-3777 Southern California Office +1-303-800-4095  Denver Office +82-10-9145-0198 South Korea Office Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com