In this week’s Everything Korea my thoughts again turn to discussing why some Korean businesses do well outside Korea, while others struggle.
A caveat is tied to last week’s episode where although Korea entrepreneurs have and continue to launch some amazing new startup concepts—few ever gain the stellar funding and success achieved by similar startups the US in the past or now with concepts like Periscope, Meerkat or my favorite Super.me.
Frankly what works well in Korea may not work well outside Korea and with regard to the Startup Model even work within Korea. Same thing goes for global brands, what works well in each respective country or region needs some if not substantial localization—localizations a catch phrase that everyone agrees to but few truly embrace.
In particular, I see with Korea brands looking outside Korea to often the same missteps re-occurring. In my recent case study “A Global Approach: For Korea Management Teams” I address many of the challenges. See the link below for a copy of the study.
So what are some steps in my opinion for 1) Korean brands already having a global footprint, or 2) brands that wish to expand outside Korea, or 3) domestic Korea startups, all need to take?
I’ll talk more on this in the next episode, but for a first step–embrace and immerse in the local culture, market norms and success model.
What is a poor idea is for an overseas team modeling practices after the Korea operations. This I know can be difficult–most Korean teams dispatched are most familiar with the Korean model, receive limited support to transition, or are subjected to pressure from their peers and seniors to limit the embracing of local norms over the mother company’s. The later situation a real concern.
Again in the next episode we’ll drill deeper to the core causes of the disconnects.
Oh one more thing…
Those struggling with some of the challenges I’ve mentioned, or have issues within your organization that need to be addressed….I have blocked out my availability to chat and discuss…. Just go tohttp://www.meetme.so/southerton
Until next time, all the best.
Case Study http://unbouncepages.com/case-study-fb/
And a very cool App, please join and follow me https://super.me
#Koreanculture #bridgingculture #koreanbusiness #globalstartups#Koreanstartups #koreanbrands #globalbrands #localize #localization#globalfootprint
Everything Korea: Episode June 15, On-boarding
I truly enjoy sharing the nuances of Korean business culture—whether through my books, Vodcasts like this one, in media interview and articles, or coaching those new to the Korea facing workplace.
Long part of my core business has been On-boarding. In fact, this week I have a number of engagements scheduled in Southern California with some planned for San Francisco in the next future.
On-boarding or, organizational socialization is where new employees, from C-level staff to entry-level hires, acquire necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviors to be effective in their job. In most cases for my work this means those employed by Korean companies, but it also includes those partners that provide services to Korean global firms
A common false assumption taken by some is those new to the company or project “will get” the cultural nuances without considerable support. Nothing can be more mistaken.
I find the Struggles for non-Koreans can range from team members not dealing with matters feeling it may offend their Korea colleagues to being perplexed and frustrated why approval processes are so complex or why Finance appears to be the making final call in critical operational decisions. The later two situations covered extensively in my books Korea Facing and Korea Perspective. See link below.
All said, my role in On-boarding is to provide context and the reasons behind Korea facing business, while over time mentoring, coaching and steering teams and C-level leadership to solutions.
If coaching and mentoring is like something you and your company can benefit from, I have blocked out some times I’m available to discuss more. Just go to http://www.meetme.so/southerton
Until next time…
Link to Don’s books
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search…
#onboarding #koreanbusinessculture #coaching #koreanglobalbusiness#culturalnuance #mentoring #bridgingcultureworldwide