Tag Archive for Hyundai

Hyundai Way: Hyundai Speed, New Book Looks at Korean Corporate Culture

March 17, 2014 general Comments Off on Hyundai Way: Hyundai Speed, New Book Looks at Korean Corporate Culture

Global business expert Don Southerton has authored a new eBook, Hyundai Way: Hyundai Speed, which shares insights into the one of the world’s top automakers.

 

Korea global business expert Don Southerton has released his latest publication, titled Hyundai Way: Hyundai Speed. Southerton notes, “In the wake of the recent accomplishments of the Hyundai Motor Group and specifically the Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors brands a question is often raised, ‘What makes Hyundai so successful?’ I tackle this question from a cultural perspective.”

The author points out his objective for Hyundai Way: Hyundai Speed is to share insights into the Hyundai Motor Group—a unique inside view of a unique corporate culture.

In addition to the growing number of Hyundai and Kia Motors enthusiasts wishing to learn more about the carmaker, Southerton sees several target audiences for the book. First for the global teams working for the Hyundai Motor Group and its affiliates, Hyundai Way: Hyundai Speed will build upon their current experiences, while providing new understandings.

A second audience is firms and vendors providing services or products to the Hyundai Motor Group. This book will be beneficial in strengthening and maintaining the relationship.

A third readership is companies with significant Korea-based business. Although the book offers specific insights into Hyundai Motor, the broader content can apply to many Korean firms in sectors outside automotive.

The eBook is available through iBook, Kindle, Nook, and Amazon.

About the author

With over 35 years’ experience, Don Southerton is the definitive authority on Korean-facing global business, strategy, branding and market entry–from automotive, golf, retail, and QSR/ food sectors to New Urbanism and Green technology.

Building on a life-long interest in Korea and the rich culture of the country, Southerton writes extensively and provides commentary to the media on modern Korean business culture and its impact on global organizations. This is his thirteenth publication. 

LINK  PRWEB Press Release 

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Golf, Songdo, Mad For Garlic, Cars and New Media

October 12, 2013 general Comments Off on Golf, Songdo, Mad For Garlic, Cars and New Media

By Don Southerton, Editor
From my previous post, I’m back from attending the PGA’s President Cup in Ohio. In 2015, the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea will host the event. Look for updates as they unfold.

Over the years, I have worked closely with the developers of Jack Nicklaus Golf Club, NY-based Gale International on their Songdo, city of the future. My cover story on Songdo was recently highlighted in Korea magazine. I see Songdo as ever evolving and becoming a knowledge-based forward thinking hub of East Asia.

Songdo Don Southerton

Over the past two years I have also advised top North America golf retailer Golfsmith International on entering the Korean market, plus I am working closely with Korea’s Mad for Garlic on opening in the US and the ME.

Don Southerton Mad For Garlic

Tasty !

What stands out is…US brands and concepts do well in Korea, and Korean brands do well here in North America.

Hyundai Motor Don Southeton

BTW I still work extensively across the Hyundai Motor Group supporting Hyundai, Kia Motors, Hyundai Capital, Hyundai Glovis—to name but a few. In addition, I support a number of key digital and media partners, which over the years has become one of my areas of expertise. Take Note: I see digital and new media work culture as edgy and very cool.

That said, regardless if its golf, forward leaning Songdo, garlic inspired cuisine, cars or new media–Culture– plays an incredible role. Sharing and communicating the nuances in workplace culture allow projects to move forward smoothly with no delays. In the worst cases, and without a strategy, coaching and support, expectations are not met, projects stall, deadline come and go, and often employee turnover is high with costs escalating.

When needed, my role is to provide support, strategy, coaching and training.

+1-310-866-3777
Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com
Pretty much here 24-5

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Korea Facing–tbs eFM 1013 Main Street Interview

March 4, 2013 Education Comments Off on Korea Facing–tbs eFM 1013 Main Street Interview

By Don Southerton, Editor
My recent tbs eFM 1013 Main Street interview. eFm is Seoul Korea’s top English language radio station. The interview centered on my new Korea Facing book and insights into global business.

Here’s the link to download.
http://www.mediafire.com/file/147rfbdiivr7mr3/efm_Interview.mp3

Korea Facing book

 

Questions? Want a complimentary copy of the book? Just email dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

Collaboration

February 28, 2013 general Comments Off on Collaboration

By Don Southerton, Editor

I’m often asked, “Don we know you work with most of the top Korean
groups, their overseas teams and leadership, but what exactly do
you do?”

One aspect of my work is providing leadership with a cross-
cultural success strategy. Another dimension is conducting training
sessions and workshops when serious issues surface that disrupt
global operations.

In addition, I also work with non-Korean executives of
global companies doing business in Korea, or with businesses
partnered with Korean firms.

But, essentially I teach “collaboration.” This is my message. That
said, implementing and facilitating collaboration is not a quick
and easy task. Expertise is required to discover core issues that
impede operations, along with implementing a long lasting action plan and
sound countermeasures.

BTW I’m always looking for new and engaging client projects. If
you have something in mind just email me, or call and we can
discuss.

1-310-866-3777

 

WSJ: Southerton Advises Non-Koreans in Overseas Korean Offices

January 15, 2013 general Comments Off on WSJ: Southerton Advises Non-Koreans in Overseas Korean Offices

By Don Southerton, Editor

The Wall Street Journal Korea Real Time blog and journalist Evan Ramstad did a wonderful job sharing insights into our newly released book Korea Facing: Secrets for Success with Korean Global Business. For the full article and interview, go to:
http://blogs.wsj.com/korearealtime/2013/01/14/southerton-advises-non-koreans-in-overseas-korean-offices/

Southerton Advises Non-Koreans in Overseas Korean Offices

January 14, 2013, 6:50 PM KST

By Evan Ramstad

As we’ve noted in the past, the canon of English-language books that explain South Korea’s contemporary life and culture for people doing business here is quite small.

But there’s a niche that’s even smaller: advice books for non-Koreans who work for Korean companies in other countries.

Don Southerton, a U.S. business consultant, has written several publications centering on the Korean auto industry, new urbanism, entrepreneurialism, and early U.S.-Korean business ventures. His firm, Bridging Culture Worldwide, provides strategy, consulting and training to businesses that are working in South Korea.

Just a few weeks ago, he published his latest, an e-book and paperback called “Korea Facing: Secrets for Success in Korean Global Business.” With it, he has flipped the tables to look at the challenges that non-Koreans face working in the overseas offices and subsidiaries of Korean firms. The book is available in e-book form for Amazon’s Kindle, Barnes & Noble’s Nook and Apple’s iPad devices.

For the full Korea Real Time article and interview, go to:
http://blogs.wsj.com/korearealtime/2013/01/14/southerton-advises-non-koreans-in-overseas-korean-offices/

 

Korea Facing: Secrets of Korean Global Business

January 2, 2013 Uncategorized Comments Off on Korea Facing: Secrets of Korean Global Business

For Immediate Release
Denver, Colorado January 1, 2013  Korea global business expert Don Southerton has released his latest new publication, an eBook titled Korea Facing: Secrets for Success in Korean Global Business. Southerton notes “With ever-growing number of people employed by Korean-based companies outside of South Korea, this book will provide western teams and management with a strategy and skills to succeed.” Topic covered in the ebook include working with Korean expatriates, managing business partnership expectations, and understanding the Korean decision making and thought process.

Readers will find Korea Facing differ from most books on Korean business with the target audience global teams working outside South Korea and not those employed in Korea, although they, too, will benefit from its content. The author further explaining, “Likewise, if your firm provides services or products to a South Korean overseas subsidiary this book will be beneficial and offer tactics to strengthen and maintain the relationship.”

Finally, Southerton points out a third group that will benefit, ” If your company has significant business in Korea, but leadership and headquarters are located in the West, the book will offers key management suggestions on how best to deal with pressing issues and challenges that surface.”

The eBook is available through iBook, Kindle, Nook, and Amazon. A complimentary PDF version is available upon request. (Just email me, dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com)

Korea Facing book

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the author
When Fortune 500 companies, top Korean Groups, leading international law firms, the media, and elite consultancies like Bain and Monitor look for Korean-facing branding, business strategy, coaching, market-entry, and advice-they turn to Don Southerton. With over 35 years experience, Don Southerton is the definitive authority on Korean-facing global business and branding–from automotive, golf, and QSR/food sectors to New Urbanism and Green technology. When questions surface in development, launch, or fulfillment, we provide sound research, solutions, and comprehensive strategies.

Building on a life-long interest in Korea and the rich culture of the country, Southerton has authored numerous publications with topics centering on culture, new urbanism, entrepreneurialism, and early U.S.-Korean business ventures.

Southerton extensively writes and comments on modern Korean business culture and its impact on global organizations. ###

 

 

Korean Holiday Greeting

December 17, 2012 Education Comments Off on Korean Holiday Greeting

By Don Southerton, Editor

Christmas has become a popular holiday in South Korea.

Nevertheless, Christmas is seen as a distinctly Christian holiday.

That said, as the holidays approach, western teams may wish to

greet Korean colleagues with:

Sae hae bok man i ba deu say yo! (Seasons Greetings)

Hint: Break the greeting into: sae hae bok-mahne-bah deu say yo

Sae hae bok man i ba deu say yo! works well both in person, in a

card, or an email. In fact, it is a common seasonal greeting into

the New Year.

 

“The first Christmas in Korea.”

A number of years ago while researching early Westerners in Korea,

I came upon an account of the first “official” Christmas tree in

Korea. I thought I’d share the story…

 

Since the mid 1880s, Anglo merchants, diplomats, and missionaries

who lived and worked in Korea celebrated their respective national

and religious holidays. Most often these were small affairs as

there were few foreigners dwelling in Korea-most Anglos were

concentrated in the port towns and Seoul. Naturally some Koreans

were curious of these strange western ceremonies and started asking

questions, especially about Christmas.

 

The Korean royal family was no exception. In December 1893, King

Kojong and his wife Queen Min became very curious about the holiday

and started to inquire about its significance. In fact, Queen Min

summoned her closest western friend and personal physician,

missionary Lillias Underwood to explain about Christmas. That year

on Christmas day, Queen Min sent the Underwood family gifts of

expensive cloth and silk screens.

 

Encouraged by the queen’s gesture and aware of the royal family’s

curiosity, Lillias asked to set up a Christmas tree in the

palace-even though it was several days after Christmas.

 

Accounts tell of Lillias putting a great deal of effort into

trimming the tree. When finished Lillias was somewhat disappointed

with the results, as “their majesties were too impatient to wait

till dark to view it.” With no heavy drapes to block the lights

from the windows, the full effect of the Christmas tree was “quite

spoiled.” Lillias cited “the poor little candles flickered in a

sickly way in the glaring daylight.” Nevertheless in spite of her

concerns, Lillias did introduce the holiday tradition to the Korean

court.

 

On behalf of myself and Bridging Culture Worldwide have a happy

holiday season!

Sae hae bok man i ba deu say yo!

Questions? Feel free to contact  dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

1-310-866-3777

Don

 

 

Korea Facing: Year end

December 11, 2012 general Comments Off on Korea Facing: Year end

Don Southerton, Editor

With the year end, Korean Groups have begun their annual end of

year reporting and restructuring. As in the past, Samsung Group has

already announced high level promotions across their organization,

we’ll see what happens at Hyundai Motor Group and the other Groups.

I monitor and track this daily. 

 

In the days leading up to Holidays, team level promotions will

begin to be announced. The norm has been for the re-assignments and

promotions to take affect January 2.

 

I’d expect some change both at senior Korean global leadership level and

across the Korean overseas teams. Those receiving promotions should

be congratulated–promotions bring considerable status along with a

boost in wages.

 

Meanwhile, the Korean presidential election is week away. How will a new

president view the Korean chaebols is a topic of discussion–the

previous administration was pro-business.

 

Finally, 1st draft edits and revisions on the Korea Facing book are

completed. I expect 1-2 more draft revisions before the book goes

“to press”–actually since it’s an eBook, I’ll upload. Plans call

for the book to be available in iBook, Kindle, and Google Book 

formats. Look for a Holiday release date.

 

As always, if you have questions and comments, please feel free to

contact me. Likewise, I’m open to new opportunities, so keep

me in mind.

Korea Facing: The Book

December 4, 2012 general Comments Off on Korea Facing: The Book

Korea Facing: Secrets for Success in Korean Global Business
By Donald G. Southerton
Publication Date: Late December 2012

Over the years, book projects like Korea Facing along with the required research have played an important and synergic role in Bridging Culture Worldwide coaching, consultancy, and training programs. This includes sharing topics such as working with Korean expats, managing business partnership expectations, and understanding the Korean decision making and thought process.

About the new book   This book differs from most books on Korean business. Frankly, the target audience is not those working or looking to be employed in South Korea, although they will benefit from its content.

The focus is instead on the ever-growing number of people employed by Korean-based companies outside of South Korea. This book will provide you with a strategy and skills to succeed.

Likewise, if your firm provides services or products to a South Korean overseas subsidiary this book 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 are located in the West, we offer key management with suggestions on how best to deal with pressing issues and challenges that surface.

About the author   When Fortune 500 companies, top Korean Groups, leading international law firms, the media, and elite consultancies like Bain and Monitor look for Korean-facing branding, business strategy, coaching, market-entry, and advice-they turn to Don Southerton.

With over 35 years experience, Don Southerton is the definitive authority on Korean-facing global business and branding–from automotive, golf, and QSR/food sectors to New Urbanism and Green technology. When questions surface in development, launch, or fulfillment, we provide sound research, solutions, and comprehensive strategies.

Building on a life-long interest in Korea and the rich culture of the country, Southerton has authored numerous publications with topics centering on culture, new urbanism, entrepreneurialism, and early U.S.-Korean business ventures.

Southerton extensively writes and comments on modern Korean business culture and its impact on global organizations.

NEW: Korean Expatriate Global Business eLearning Series

November 26, 2012 general Comments Off on NEW: Korean Expatriate Global Business eLearning Series

Supporting Korean overseas teams (ju jae won) and their Korean executives is a must for all Korea-based organizations. The assumption that expatriates can bridge cultural gaps through practical on–the–job experience might work with those few highly intuitive individuals with the exceptional ability to assimilate cultures. However, what stands out in numerous studies is the need for training. In particular the need for a training program that can successfully provide insights into new business cultures and values, while fostering sensitivity and teamwork among all members of the company.

An effective eLearning program for Korean expatriates can help bridge gaps while supplying needed skills and knowledge.

Based on years of working with western and Korean expat teams, we have developed an eLearning program to address issues that commonly occur in the American and global workplace.

The benefits of the eLearning program include:

1.  The training is designed to be self-pacing with the ability to go back for a second time to review a specific section. This will result in better comprehension and higher retention of course content.

2. Flexibility–Unlike instructor-led training the course is highly accessible. This allows the participant to fit the training into their schedule.

3. Finally, this eLearning offers an opportunity to grow. The course content will add to the participant’s understanding of the differences in global business, improve communication with local teams, and make them more effective in fulfilling the assignment.

 

Outcomes

Although there is bound to be some friction between expatriate and host country cultural values, a successful cross-cultural and localization training program accomplishes:

1. Awareness and appreciation of both the home and host country with the ability to gain an insight into one’s own personal traits, strengths, weaknesses, attitudes, and interests.

2. Realization of similarities and shared values, along with an awareness of and respect for cultural differences.

3. The ability to adapt to new cultures, ideas, and challenges on the job and in the home, while adjusting quickly to new conditions and workplace practices.

Next Steps

Further details on the Korean Expatiate Global Business eLearning Series is available upon request. This includes a Table of Content, course outlines, and fee rates.

Call +1-310-866-3777 or email Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

 

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