Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor I'm often asked, "Don we know you work with most of the top Korean groups, their overseas teams and leadership, but what exactly do you do?" One aspect of my work is providing leadership with a cross- cultural success strategy. Another dimension is conducting training sessions and workshops when serious issues surface that disrupt global operations. In addition, I also work with non-Korean executives of global companies doing business in Korea, or with businesses partnered with Korean firms. But, essentially I teach "collaboration." This is my message. That said, implementing and facilitating "collaboration" is not a quick and easy task. Expertise is required to discover core issues that impede operations, along with implementing a long lasting action plan and sound countermeasures. BTW  I'm always looking for new and engaging client projects. If you have something in mind just email me, or call ...

Seoul, South Korea, February 16, 2013 Don Southerton, CEO and President of Bridging Culture Worldwide, a global Korea facing consultancy sees South Korea continuing to offer new opportunities. Southerton notes that although some sectors of the Korean market like QSR (quick service restaurants) appear saturated there is still demand in the service sector and for proven, premium brands. Furthermore, as stated in a recent a Wall Street Journal article “Korea is Primed for M&A’ the major Korean Groups with their strong cash reserves are well positioned for M&A outside South Korea. Southerton points out that other than a few exceptions, for example, E.Land recently acquired K-Swiss, and in 2011 Fila Korea purchased golf giant Acushnet (Titleist), the shift to M&A is a change from the past--the business model of the major Groups like Samsung and Hyundai being 'growth from within' and creating their own divisions vs. acquisition. Challenge With this trend to M...

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor Along with Chuseok (the fall harvest festival), Lunar New Year is the most important of traditional Korean holidays. The year of the Black Water Snake will begin on Sunday February 10. The Black Water Snake is associated with longevity, fertility and good fortune. People born in the Year of the Snake are said to be influential, insightful, motivated, intellectual, and determined to succeed. Regarding the Korean holiday, I have some recommendations. For your Korean colleagues (in Korea), you can wish them Happy Lunar New Year by phone, or email on Thursday Feb. 7th, in the late afternoon. ( early Friday in Korea). For expat Koreans working in the U.S. or globally you can wish then Happy Lunar New Years on Friday (pm) or Monday Feb. 11 . Here is the formal greeting-- Sae hae bok mani ba deu say yo. I suggest you also share with your non-Korean teams the significance of the holiday. In Korea, Seol includes gift-giving and family activities that s...

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor As always Korea's largest Group "Samsung" and the Lee family draws media and public attention.  This Bloomberg News TV segment, which I offer some thoughts, looks at sibling rivalry within the Lee family. Bloomberg Television's "Bloomberg West." (Source: Bloomberg) Questions? Comments?