Smart City, Songdo International City and the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ). 

I’m just back from Seoul amid COVID and Korean Business Protocols.
In my most recent book  Korea 2020—A Workplace in Transition released earlier this year, I elaborate on a wide range of corporate workplace culture changes underway. These include flattening of workplace titles and hierarchical protocols as well as encouraging those junior to question the status quo.

Beyond my published writing and articles, this transition to a more open and global workplace is covered extensively in Korea media that follow changes at the top groups such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai Motor and SK Groups. 

All said, in my two 2020 trips to Seoul, I had an opportunity with “boots on the ground” to again observe the extent of the changing corporate landscape. First, witnessing at one of the leading tech/ICT companies located in the heart of Korea’s Silicon Valley, and the second visiting a long-established industrial manufacturing group.  

First and foremost, in my field research, I try not to be judgmental as each company follows their heritage and values—with no overarching right or wrong, but just different.

For the tech company, more flexible workplace hours and dress codes reflect my writings. In fact, it was refreshing to see widespread casual and rather cool trendy summer fashion worn by millennials—and both genders, too. The exception was middle age staff and leadership in more formal, but tie-less business attire. 

Embracing other changes both management and teams addressed individuals in informal conversation by their first names instead of calling team members by the titles as was once universal. 

Titles rather than names were used only when the team addressed the most senior leadership or with formal email correspondence. 

Office seating however was still based on title and rank reflecting this hierarchy. This is different from some tech companies where we are now seeing open seating.

In contrast, to the tech sector, I witnessed traditional norms in the industrial manufacturing sector visit. 

During introductions and exchange in business cards, we were asked to call them by either a Korean name or a western first name. Although, among the Korean team and leadership they addressed each other by hierarchical Korean title.

The use of rank and title were very hierarchical as well as seating in formal meetings. On the later the most senior leadership was positioned mid-table, flanked by their more senior staff in descending order, and with support staff positioned behind them. 

In such situations it is then important that the western team follow the same protocols. This allows the Korean team to better understand the hierarchy of your company. This includes staying consistent in seating order during every meeting, and dinner event as well as how teams are introduced—most senior first and then in order of seniority and rank. BTW, The same goes for virtual meetings, too. 

Again, in less formal team meetings we are finding these norms less important and more casual. I’d add in observing teams working in the office vs leadership, dress was more casual, too. 

On a final note, reflecting both my research, writing and recent visits, we find that corporate norms and expectations in Korea today do vary. Not to mention, like westerners, no two Koreans are alike. 

True cultural understanding and sensitivity require both recognizing the similarities and differences. More so, the key to any successful business relationship is adapting and respecting local and individual company norms. 

Following norms and expectations leads to clarity and better communications vs. impasses and costly misunderstandings. 

Frankly, a good model to follow is for us to be aware and adapt according to their norms vs. expecting them to change as it’s their country. Plus, change is underway in Korea amid a transition driven by globalization and millennials in the workplace. 

Questions and comments welcome. All kept private and confidential. 

Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

Korean business protocols.
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