In this episode I’d like to share
“Ten Insights into Korean business.”
This is something I often incorporate into one on one coaching and
mentoring sessions. It was also
developed in collaboration with a senior Korea manager specifically to explain
to his team’s Westerners on the company—the Westerners lacking first hand knowledge
in the mother company and seeing the Company only in their local operations. In
particular, there was a gap between how things were executed in Korea and had
evolved locally-- to a model less efficient and with time-consuming procedures.
To begin,
Trust There is a very strong trust within teams and
in the company. This is often because of a legacy in achieving many bold
accomplishments—often seemingly impossible tasks.
Family Traditional family norms permeate the work
culture (Elder brother as boss, senior managers, etc.) and the related concept
that co-workers are seen as family.
Challenge A one-word summary of the Korean workplace
would be Challenge--both in what it has overcome and in what it expects of its
global employees.
Input Companies are very hierarchical, but actively
demands input from all levels. In fact, top management make decisions based on
the expectation that the lower levels have considered all possible outcomes and
challenges.
Teamwork Once a decision is made all dissenting or
differing opinions unite to embrace success.
Solution In Korea, employees do not bad mouth or put
down their company. In fact, employees feel that such an attitude is “part of
the problem” and not “part of the solution.” Even among friends, negative
thoughts are not shared.
Relationships From higher ranks to the lower ranks, they are
very hierarchical. But, here are also very protective organizations. On one
level, norms dictate that Seniors are demanding of their Junior employees. One
reason is to make sure Juniors learn the work expectations, practices, and
culture.
On another level,
workers must ensure that mistakes are not made that could reflect badly on
their Seniors the department, or the company. Once a Junior works for a Senior
that Jr. is part of a network of other employees under the umbrella or
protection of the Senior.
Expectations There are very high expectations that must be
met. Doing a great job is what you are
paid to do….
Collaboration The American workplace process is often to
receive an assignment, clarify details, go off, work hard, and come back to the
manager with the result.
The Korean staff will
take a different approach. They will receive an assignment, work and discuss it
collectively with others, and go back to the manager on multiple occasions
informally to make sure they are following the path the manager wants. This method
takes times, but Korean workers know when the manager sees the result, it will
be what the senior requested.
Adaptability Flexibility and acceptance of change. Projects
are subject to lots of change—some speed up, while others stall.
Questions, Comments?
Want to chat?
Just go to http://www.meetme.so/southerton
Oh one more thing,
I was very pleased that my favorite Korean food brand Mad
for Garlic is expanding into the Middle East.
Here are some links sharing more.
The brand would do well in the US.
Plus one more link on US opportunity here,
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