10 Insights into Korean Business

This is something I often incorporate into one-on-one coaching and mentoring sessions.??

Interestingly, this was developed in collaboration with a senior Korean HR manager. They wanted to find a way to explain the company's mindset to Western teams. Their overseas teams had little first-hand knowledge of the headquarters’ practices, and the local Western teams only saw the company through their local operations and expatriates.

To begin,??

Trust?There is a strong sense of trust within teams and the company, often stemming from a history of achieving bold and seemingly impossible tasks.

Family?Traditional family norms influence the work culture, such as elder siblings as bosses and co-workers being 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 have a very hierarchical structure but actively seek input from all levels. Top management makes decisions expecting lower levels to consider all possible outcomes and challenges.

Teamwork?After a decision is made, all dissenting or differing opinions come together to support the path to success.

Solution?In Korea, employees refrain from speaking negatively about their company, as they believe it contributes to the issue rather than the solution. Even among friends, they choose not to share negative thoughts.

Relationships?The organization has a clear hierarchy, with seniors holding higher ranks than juniors. However, the organization also places great importance on protecting its members. Seniors are expected to be strict with their junior employees, as this helps the juniors learn the work expectations, practices, and culture.

Employees must avoid making errors that could hurt their managers, department, or the company. When a junior employee works for a senior staff member, the junior becomes part of a network of other employees who are under the protection of the senior staff member.

Expectations?There are high expectations that must be met. Doing a great job is what you are paid for.

Collaboration?The typical American workplace process involves receiving an assignment, clarifying details, working diligently, and reporting back to the manager with the results..

The Korean staff follows a unique approach. They receive an assignment, work on it, discuss it collectively with others, and informally check in with the manager multiple times to ensure they are on the right track. This method may be time-consuming, but Korean workers believe that when the manager sees the result, it will be exactly what the senior requested.

Adaptability?Flexibility and acceptance of change. Projects are subject to change—some speed up, while others stall.

Hope this is insightful

Don