Korean Business: Challenges and Solutions 50 Workplace Hints, #2 Managing Expectations

For my next book working title, Korean Business: Challenges and Solutions

50 Workplace Hints,” I’ll be sharing pre-publication some of my most timely and relevant commentaries.  

 

I’d appreciate any feedback or your thoughts, too. 

 

This week #2 Managing Expectations

 

I am often asked to assist with Korea-facing business ventures.  This is usually a North American firm just entering the Korean market or a Western company already with operations in Korea.  I am also asked to support top Korean Groups with their overseas operations.

Most often Korean and Western senior leadership teams did a great job of gaining mutual trust. Both negotiated well. The deal is signed and it's time to perform. 

Sadly, the honeymoon is over. Challenges arise, and what appeared to be clear expectations can now seem murky with poor alignment and weak communications. Why? 

There are several reasons. One is that teams that meet, bond, and negotiate are seldom the ones doing the work. The teams on both sides that crafted the deal are better skilled in global business. The teams doing the work are talented, but usually less skilled. Many Westerners have no recent experience working with Koreans, and the Korean teams have limited experience working with North America. 

A caveat to this is that many of the Korean teams are bright, but very junior, new to the workplace, and tend to be generalists, while Western teams are comprised of highly specialized industry veterans. 

So, what's the solution?

Frankly, in our experience, the most successful firms show great leadership and vision.  They also recognize both sides will need constant ongoing support and training. 

Expecting the teams to "get it" seldom works--and if it does it takes time, is costly, contributes to stress, poor productivity, and even employee turnover. In fact, expecting non-Koreans to understand Korean culture, business model, and workplace expectations are like throwing someone into a pool and assuming they will swim, not sink.  

That said, a huge mistake is hiring an industry consulting firm without a full understanding of the specific challenges and cross-cultural issues. In many cases, they fail to get to the root of the problem(s) and expectations are never fully clarified. Issues will surface. Things will get worse. 

To conclude,

In dealing with partnerships, I understand the huge stress loads within Korean-based firms. Teams need to perform. Partners will also be expected to perform. Clear, well-communicated expectations and cross-cultural understanding from the beginning are vital, along with a strong business plan and strategy. 

Need a solution, I am here on-call with practical workarounds and seasoned experience in overcoming the challenges.

Text  310-866-3777

dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com 

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