Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

Comments on Korea Facing New Generations article. See direct link for article. http://archive.aweber.com/bcw-clients/FYgz2 Aloha Don, I'm glad to see some change in younger generation's thinking about their careers and future. The power of technology once again proved that its influence has a huge impact on how we perceive the world. It's kind of scary thing to think about, but we cannot ignore the impact... As I read through your post, I came across a couple of questions/thoughts. First, it seems that the younger generation, especially those who are in their late twenties, started to think about running their own business in the near future. Are these young men and women truly equipped for success or set for failure? I know that this question is somewhat extreme, but is an interesting question. Based on my recent research study on Korean ESL learners and recent articles published in Korea, college students in general suffered severely from the lack of creativit...

Have a safe and happy Chuseok holiday. Traditional rice cakes--Songpyeon

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor In a recent  Bloomberg News   Asia  edition it's noted some younger Koreans no longer dream of working for a top Group.  No surprise here, since the Korean workplace "generation gap" continues to grow. In fact, I work with teams from Hyundai and with two recent startups. Some norms are common, but I see the startups offering more flexible work hours and an opportunity for junior teams to express themselves and impact decisions. I've seen this change unfolding over time. I recall several years ago chatting with two Korean students at the University of California, San Diego Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies. My question was what they planned to do upon graduation and return to Korea.  One 2nd year grad student rather coldly said he'd probably have to work for Samsung for a year or two then ( with a smile) look for a startup. The other student added saying Samsung was a "meat grinder." ...

We've received some great feedback on the 3 Korean hierarchy articles.... hope you enjoy, too. To subscribe go to   http://forms.aweber.com/form/24/175507524.htm Don This is really interesting stuff and is helping to give me a valuable insight into the working culture of my Korean colleagues. Thank you. ...love your Korea Facing educational newsletters, it is really a great and easy way to get the basics so that you want to know more.... Great pieces! Hi Don, This information is very timely Aloha Don, Again, great points! I liked Part 3. Like today's organizations in America, Korean organizations are also presented with the internal challenge of bringing multi-generational employees together to create harmony and cohesiveness.  Individuals from each generation, such as traditionalist, baby boomer, generation X, or generation Y, bring divergent values, beliefs, attitudes, and expectations based on their pivotal experiences and events that portrait both per...

Our new Korea Facing newsletter is a huge hit. The first 2 articles are on Korean hierarchy and its influence on overseas operations. I’ve included some excerpts. Part 1 In a hierarchical system a request from above always overrides other plans and thus schedules are often revised at short notice. This can also unfold as any request from the Korean headquarters taking precedence over operations at the local branch or subsidiary.  This top down management style works well in Korea, but as the nation has expanded globally, firms need to adapt to regionally norms…. Part 2 Rank and position in the mother company, along with their sphere of influence have a powerful impact on an expat’s effectiveness.  For example, a chajang  (deputy general manager) with the mother company who is seen as on the fast track will fare better than a someone who has little interaction with senior leadership. To access the both full articles: Hierarchy, Part 1 htt...

Breaking News The latest Korea Facing update/ newsletter is now available. Go to  http://archive.aweber.com/bcw-clients/ItJtY While there, subscribe, too.

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor Korea Facing is the title not only for my latest book in progress, but also for related seminars, coaching, and workshops we are offering Fall 2012 and into 2013. This week’s update shares topics from the book and seminars that we will discuss over the next few weeks, including: 1. K-Lobization—The outreach of Korea’s unique management style and corporate culture across international markets, especially among subsidiaries and branch offices. 2. Ju Jae Won —Another name for the Korean expats assigned to a host country to support their overseas operations. 3. Hierarchy-- rank and title within the mother and subsidiary organization and its impact on day-to-day business operations. 4. Culture Shock--the cross-cultural acclimatizing that occurs when an individual is assigned to a different geographic location. 5. Generations-- South Korea’s age groups influence their business culture, so   knowing the differences in the mindset and values...