Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

Over the past few weeks, I’ve enjoyed sharing resources. This week it’s my book from 2015, Korea Perspective— which I wrote as a road map to avoid the pitfalls, navigate around the roadblocks, and “thrive.” In crafting the book I drew heavily on conversations with Western overseas teams, as well Korean leadership and teams.  In particular, both groups openly shared their challenges and pressing concerns along with the inner workings of their companies with hopes for improving communication. In turn, my goal was to provide a framework, strategy, and solutions.   To Dig Deeper Since so many have opted to get copies for my other writings, here, too, is a link to Korea Perspective http://unbouncepages.com/korea-perspective-launch/ , or you can request a PDF from my personal assistant Stacey at stacey@koreabcw.com . As Always…. Have a Korea-facing situation that needs addressing?  Need some insights into Korea-facing challenges?  In many cases, we...

This is a special edition and for a change, I‘d like to share what I feel is a great Korea facing resource—my friend Frank Ahrens’ soon to be a best seller. Frank's career prior to the 3 years as Hyundai Motor Company’s head of global PR was a journalist for the Washington Post. His vivid accounts of the years with HMC provide readers with a look behind the curtain—some cultural, some personal experiences. All a must read for anyone working for a Korean company. Speaking with Frank last week, what stands out is his observations and early first hand impressions into the workings of Hyundai—something those of us long involved with Korea-facing business far too often overlook, or take for granted as norm. I strongly recommend you get a copy. To facilitate, here’s the link. https://www.amazon.com/Seoul-Man-Unexpected-Hilarity-Corporate/dp/0062405241 As Always…. Have a Korea-facing situation that needs addressing? Need some insights into Korea-facing challenges? I...

To follow up on last week’s popular commentary, I’d like to also share another resource….my highly regarded book from 2013, Korea Facing: Secrets for Success in Korean Global Business. In particular, it provides solid hands-on solutions to the many challenges in the global workplace. Working with so many of you, I, too, see the issues…daily. The book’s focus was an ever-growing number of people employed by a Korean-based company outside South Korea. We know the challenges and, in particular, business norms, practices, and the decision-making processes vary across cultures. Expecting teams to "get it" seldom works. Hoping new employees and management can recognize and grasp Korean corporate norms is like throwing someone into a pool and assuming they will swim, not sink. Who else will benefit? Likewise, if your firm provides services or products to a South Korean overseas subsidiary or operations the exclusive coaching and consulting service will be beneficial and offe...

After a week of travel supporting clients, some new and some longtime, I am reminded how needs vary. In many cases its sharing lessons learned and resources I’ve developed. One that comes to mind is my 2012, Hyundai and Kia Motors: The Early Years and Product Development. Beyond a comprehensive look of the rise of one of the world’s top carmakers as the brands entered the market, it provides some great insights into Korea’s economic growth. This model at first produced products for their domestic needs then for export outside Korea.   In particular, Korea to enter many new markets looked to Japan and the West for a transfer of technology and explicit knowledge, such as blueprints, technical specifications, production manuals, and training of engineers and production teams. Over time Korean companies developed their own in-house integrated technology research, development, and design not to mention the economies of scale needed for the Korean automaker to compete glo...

I recently came upon a 5 step process for solving problems. My work centers on this, as well as reminding the CEOs I support that it’s a big part of their job, too — by default many leaders just focusing on operations. So the list peaked my interest. Digging deeper I found it was sourced from a book originally published by James Webb Young in 1939  —  A Technique for Producing Ideas .  To many in the industry, Young was one of the original Ad Men. Supporting so many in Marketing, Media and Branding, I found this fascinating. As a caveat with South Korea new global branding as “Creative Korea,” it is only timely to look more closely at creativity, more so, having commented frequently in this Vodcast on the Korean vs. Western creative class. (My PDF on the topics is available upon request). Let look at James Webb Young’s process. Gather new material.  At first, you learn. During this stage you focus on 1) learning specific material directly related to your task and ...