I left home at dawn today. At the KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) headquarters in Pangyo, I spoke about the 'Characteristics of Korean Business Culture' to foreign employees from many countries, each with 10+ years of experience. Three elements were discussed most: Hierarchy (authority), Indirect (communication), and Group (organization). Many participants gave feedback that Korean workplaces are built on authority-centered hierarchy, that people communicate indirectly rather than directly, and that harmony within the organization and group is valued over the individual. They say we are tricky to work with ^^; It had been a while since I taught in English, and early in the morning I must have been nervous, because the Apple Watch on my left wrist gave me a heart rate warning. As I was leaving, the questions kept coming: "What would be the best way to handle this situation?" It was fun. ^^
23 Oct 2024
[ Instructor: John Kim ]