When I first began coaching at both Hyundai and then Kia Motors a few of the older highly experienced industry veterans got some satisfaction in pointing out “issues.” More so, if they had previously warned the Korean team what would happen if the company took a certain approach and it ultimately failed to meet expectations. It’s no surprise that tensions ran high.
My strategy to improve relations was to persuade the American team that pointing out “issues” wasn’t culturally productive. It was obvious to all when mistakes and poor judgements surfaced. Moreover, Koreans often took a trial and error approach. What was needed were “counter-measures,” an English term the Korean teams were using.
This mindset was reconfirmed a few years later while conducting a team building leadership workshop. In the discussion, one of the Korean participants pointed out that they looked for at least 3 options to solve a situation. He went on to explain that in Korea when a problem surfaced, they would prepare at least 3 or more “counter-measures” providing a solution for senior leadership to review.
Just pointing out the problem, he said, which is common in the West was not productive–noting that his boss already knew there was a problem. They want to see options. Most often the best approach turned out to be a combination of the 3 possible solutions.
My Suggestion
When issues and problems surface be the one to step forward with solutions.
PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 04, 2012 – Denver, Colorado. Global Korean business consultant and CEO Don Southerton has announced that with the ever-growing number of people employed by Korean-based companies outside South Korea now more than ever a strategy is needed to succeed.
Likewise, if your firm provides services or products to a South Korean overseas subsidiary or operations a Korea-facing strategy will be beneficial and offer tactics to strengthen and maintain the relationship. Finally, if your company has significant business in Korea, but leadership and headquarters is located in the West, key management need suggestions on how best to deal with pressing issues and challenges that surface
Southerton notes “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.” Topics include:
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 of recent Korean generations is valuable.
6. Planning and Decision-making— In a hierarchical system orders come from senior management, plus their requests override other plans and thus schedules are often revised at short notice.
7. Protocols and Culture—Korean culture has norms that dictate social interactions—especially during initial introductions and meet & greets. Cultural differences also impact communications style, decision-making, discussions, and presentation style.
8. Expectations—Most often the issues that surface include managing expectations. Usually each side has legitimate demands. For example, Korean side needs answers and information ASAP, US/ western side procedures take days to compile and approve, often from number of sources.
About Bridging Culture Worldwide When Fortune 500 companies, top Korean Groups, leading international law firms, and elite consultancies, such as Bain and Monitor, look for Korean-facing business strategy, coaching, and advice—they turn to Bridging Culture Worldwide and Don Southerton.
With over 35 years’ experience, Don Southerton is the definitive authority on Korean-facing global business–from automotive, golf, and QSR sectors to New Urbanism and Green technology. When problems and challenges surface in development, launch, or fulfillment, we provide sound solutions and comprehensive strategies.
In case you missed,… we’ve recently released 2 new eBooks.
The first eBook provides a concise history of early Hyundai and Kia Motors car production. Models discussed range from Hyundai and Kia’s first production cars to those developed under 2000-1 restructuring.
A second eBook is our latest work on early US and Korea entrepreneurial ties and the accomplishments of Henry Collbran.
August 4, 20102 Belamar /Denver, Colorado and Seoul, South Korea. Author Don Southerton has announced the release of a new publication Colorado’s Henry Collbran and the Roots of Early Korean Entrepreneurialism. The eBook explores the business efforts of British-born Henry Collbran who brought modern technology and innovation to the Korean peninsula.
Stepping back in time Southerton’s latest work tells the fascinating story of Henry Collbran who left Colorado in 1896 and traveled to Korea with hopes of a lucrative gold mining opportunity. Seeing little potential in mining, Collbran successfully constructed the nation’s first railway from Incheon to Seoul. Collbran then secured the franchise from the Korean monarch Kojong to build a modern electric streetcar system. Over the next several years, the entrepreneur added additional business ventures, including the first telephone system, a modern waterworks, a bank, a coin mint, and even a movie theater.
During his later years in Korea and with financial support of Colorado beer baron Adolph Coors and other investors, Collbran turned his effort to highly lucrative gold and copper mining operations before eventually retiring to a life of leisure in London. Author Don Southerton points out, “Westerners like Collbran provided Korea with capital, technology, and know-how. These efforts contributed to the early development and economic growth of the region, which in turn provided the foundation for Korea’s impressive late twentieth century industrial accomplishments.”
The eBook will be available through Amazon, Google,Kindle, iBook, and most digital media services.
About the Author Don Southerton has held a life-long interest in Korea and the rich culture of the country. His previous books center on culture, entrepreneurialism, and early U.S.-Korean business ventures. Southerton also extensively writes and comments on modern Korean business culture and its impact on global organizations. His firm, Bridging Culture Worldwide, provides consulting, training, and strategy on Korea-facing global business.
Belmar Lakewood, Colorado June 21, 2012 Author Don Southerton has announced the release of a new publication Hyundai and Kia Motors: The Early Years and Product Development. The eBook provides deep insights into the rise of the South Korean car industry. Southerton’s latest writing weaves first-hand accounts of the challenges experienced by Korean management during the first years of Korean car production with the development of specific models, such as Kia’s Brisa, Pride, Sephia, Sportage and Rio plus Hyundai’s Pony, Excel, and Santa Fe
Southerton notes, “Today we are witnessing a remarkable transformation in Hyundai and Kia Motors’ brand image and sales are at record pace. This accomplishment was decades in the making. Hyundai and Kia Motors: The Early Years and Product Development shares the story behind this success.”
The eBook will be available through Amazon, Kindle, iBook, and most digital media services.
About the Author Don Southerton has held a life-long interest in Korea and the rich culture of the country. His previous books center on culture, entrepreneurialism, and early U.S.-Korean business ventures. Southerton also extensively writes and comments on modern Korean business culture and its impact on global organizations. His firm, Bridging Culture Worldwide, provides consulting, training, and strategy on Korea-facing global business.
By Don Southerton, Editor I’ll be guest speaker on Wednesday May 9, 2012 at the World Trade Center San Diego Asia Desk Business Series: Korea. Also speaking at the event will be Moonsung Kang, Ph.D, from Korea University’s Division of International Studies.
I’ll be sharing insights into how to benefit from the U.S–Korean Free Trade Agreement, including finding the right Korean partner, structuring your market entry strategy, and ways to avoid common pitfalls.
When Fortune 500 companies, top Korean Groups, leading international law firms, and elite consultancies, such as Bain and Monitor, look for Korean-facing business strategy, coaching, and advice—they turn to Bridging Culture Worldwide and Don Southerton. With over 35 years’ experience, Don Southerton is the definitive authority on Korean-facing global business–from automotive, golf, and QSR sectors to New Urbanism and Green technology. When problems and challenges surface in development, launch, or fulfillment, we provide sound solutions and comprehensive strategies.
An Evening with Dr. Chung Un-chan, former South Korea Prime Minister
On January 26, 2011, the University of California, San Diego Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies (IRPS) sponsored a lecture by Dr. Chung Un-chan. A former president of Seoul National University and Prime Minister of South Korea, Dr. Chung’s career bridges both academia and government.
The well-attended lecture shared to students, faculty, and distinguished guests, Dr. Chung’s timely thoughts and views on U.S. -Korean relations, while offering suggestions for strengthening future ties into the 21st Century. Dr. Chung stressed the need for both nations to be More Open, More Confident, and More Compassionate. Highlights of his lecture included the importance of education, study abroad, and first-hand experience of other cultures.
Dr. Chung Un-chan
Following the lecture, I was invited to attend a diner with Dr. Chung hosted by IRPS Dean Peter Cowhey. In attendance was Professor emeritus Larry Krause, Professor Stephan Haggard, Professor You, Jong-sung, Professor Gordon Hansen, and Dr. Byong Mok Kim, M.D.
Professor Larry Krause, Dr. Chung, Dr. Kim Byong Mok
I also had the opportunity to share with Dr. Chung a copy of Chemulpo to Songdo IBD. A number of UCSD IRPS graduate students had assisted in the crafted of the book, including Professor You, Jong-sung.
Chemulpo to Songdo IBD book with author Don Southerton
Over the course of three hours, discussions covered a wide range of Korea-facing topics, including KORUS FTA, the Six Way talks, North Korea’s recent aggression against South Korea, China-Korea-U.S. relations, North Korea refuges, the future role of U.S. military forces in South Korea, and North-South unification.
During the diner I had a wonderful opportunity to speak at length with Dr. Chung on issues and concerns that impact Korea-facing global business. I was also asked by Dean Cowhey to share with Dr. Chung and the distinguished faculty my experiences and the challenges working with global Korea-based Groups and international firms entering the Korea market.
That said, one point I raised to Dr. Chung and group was concerns by many of my clients over North Korea acts of aggression against South Korea and the constant saber rattling. Dr. Chung acknowledged such concern and noted that one outcome of the recent incidents was a huge shift in younger Korean’s views of the North—most now less tolerant of the North in light of the December 2010 shelling of civilians. Moreover, Dr. Chung and the others scholars felt the recent aggression had greatly strengthened U.S.-South Korean relations; with America reaffirming it’s support of South Korea.
Although North Korea continues to perplex even those with deep insights into the regime, I feel that the consensus is that the status quo will continue in North Korea and the peninsula into the near future.
One final point I raised to Dr. Chung stressed the challenges to entering the South Korean market. Dr. Chung’s answer was quite frank—he felt Korea was already a “very open market.” He pointed out that language and communications were issues, but added that when compared to Japan, China, and other nations, Korea was very open to trade, business, and commerce. Moreover, Dr. Chung noted than when he was Prime Minister he oversaw the elimination of hundreds of regulations.
On a personal note, I found Dr. Chung very approachable and taking a real interest in questions posed to him by the IRPS facility and guests.
