Bridging Culture Worldwide

US Korea Connect: Hidden Benefits of KORUS FTA 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:55:23 PDT

The following article appears in U.S. Korea Connect. See Link below

by Don Southerton
I have long followed and supported both successful market entry of Korean business into the US and American firms to Korea. This mutual success has centered on product, retail and quick service restaurants, with limited opportunities in the service sectors. The KORUS FTA will make a huge change in this exchange. In the area of services, I see KORUS FTA as a game changer.

A few weeks ago, United States Secretary of State John Kerry visited Korea and spoke about the importance of trade between our two nations. This month, President Park will visit the White House to reaffirm our countries’ mutual commitment and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-Korea strategic alliance. Since its implementation last year, the KORUS FTA has given that alliance a new dynamic. One area of the agreement that should receive more attention is trade in services.

At its core, trade in services is trade in ideas. Whether legal, financial, technical, or in the tourism industry, the services exchanged between the U.S. and Korea expand mutual access to highly skilled talent. That talent is vital in generating the ideas that will define our economies tomorrow. In fact, today’s leaders in the U.S. service industries are using the KORUS FTA to recruit and nurture that talent.

Unlike the banking and insurance sectors, non-Korean legal and accounting firms faced entry barriers prior to the KORUS FTA. Today, American law firms like Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton are able to open offices in Korea under the KORUS agreement. Law firm Ropes and Gray, Another U.S. Korea Connect success story, sees their new ability to open physical locations in Korea as a way to show their dedication to Korean clients.

Outside the obvious benefits to service related firms, under the KORUS FTA, U.S. businesses are generating and exchanging ideas more freely. But the best is yet to come. American companies have expressed the need to hire additional Korean professionals to help them navigate the Korean marketplace. Professional visa reforms under consideration by the U.S. Congress will fulfill that still unmet need, allowing companies to take greater advantage of the KORUS FTA.

As the pace of business quickens, service providers need a regulatory framework that provides them maximum flexibility. A fluid business mechanism that promotes and enhances innovative ideas is essential for prosperity in both countries. That’s precisely what the KORUS FTA does for the service industry.

About Don Southerton
Don Southerton has held a life-long interest in Korea and the rich culture of the country. He has authored numerous publications with topics centering on the Korean auto industry, new urbanism, entrepreneurialism, and early U.S.-Korean business ventures. Southerton is often called upon by the media (the BBC World Service, CNN Fortune, Bloomberg TV, Korea Herald, Korea Times, Yonhap, Wall Street Journal, Forbes) to comment on modern Korean business culture and its impact on global organizations. His firm Bridging Culture Worldwide provides strategy, consulting and training to Korea-based global business.

Link to Article
http://www.uskoreaconnect.org/blog/2013/04/trade-in-ideas-a-hidden-benefit-of-korus-fta/

Denver Artist Anna Cash-Mitchell Reveals Her "Depth"

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Sun, 12 May 2013 06:20:59 PDT

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor

Outside an artist's need to create, their work also reveals a yearning desire for self-expression. For Denver-based Anna Cash-Mitchell her paintings are meticulously crafted to take on a three-dimensional perspective. On closer examination of the paintings, much of the work is set back within the canvas—a process Anna has perfected over the past 5 years.

Anna notes, “My paintings play with bold color and form. I use elements of sculpture with visually hidden layers to create a feeling of depth when you move around each piece. This depth invites you to experience my art in a physical way, which doesn’t come through a two-dimensional photo. In a sense, it is a reminder to be present here and now in our ever expanding digital world..."

The Net

As for the artist, Anna grew up in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies where she earned a BA in Fine/Studio Arts and a Master of Humanities at University of Colorado, Denver. Her education as an artist also included a summer painting intensive in Feltre, Italy.

More recently, and after spending nine years in Santa Monica, La Jolla and Carlsbad, CA where sun, sand, and waves had their influence on her work, Anna is now back in her home state with a renewed passion to share her art.

Anna is a member of 40 West Arts in Lakewood, CO and Kanon Art Gallery on Santa Fe Drive in Denver, CO. Anna exhibits her art throughout the Denver region. See
http://facebook.com/studioacm.

Anna Cash-Mitchell's "Depth" exhibition runs from May 3 to June 2, 2013 at Kanon Collective. For more information go to http://www.kanonart.com

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BBC World Service and Hyundai Fuel Cell Vehicles of the Future

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Thu, 02 May 2013 06:38:44 PDT

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor
As mentioned in the previous post, I hosted BBC World Service Click journalist Gareth Mitchell in Korea earlier this year. In BBC Click's latest series "A Route 66 of the Future", Gareth explores the ideas behind a smart highway in the Netherlands and gets behind the steering wheel of a hydrogen fuel cell powered car at the R&D Eco labs of Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea. Very cool technology. This is Hyundai's 3rd Generation of FCEV and will be first production model in the industry.

Hyundai Motor's Dr Byung Ki Ahn with Gareth, and the hydrogen fuel cell SUV

Audio Link
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/worldservice/digitalp/digitalp_20130430-2032a.mp3

Questions? Comments?

BBC World Service Click, Songdo IBD and CISCO Smart & Connected

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:14:48 PDT

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor

In February I hosted BBC World Service journalist Gareth Mitchell in Korea. This is second in Gareth's well done series on Korea, emerging technology, and Songdo International Business District.

This episode interviews Wim Elfrink Chief Global Strategist for Cisco. The interview took place in Songdo IBD via Cisco's TelePresence. Here is the audio link.

Cisco and Songdo IBD at 13:12 in the program...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p016x52w

BTW Hard to top Cisco's TP technology. Below is photo of me working with teachers via TP in Songdo IBD in 2009. I was in Irvine, California, the teachers in Incheon, South Korea :)

Korea Herald: No Two Chaebol Alike...

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 06:03:07 PDT

Many thanks to Korea Herald and reporter Elaine Ramirez, the article shares my views on Korea facing global business.

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130408000691

No Two Chaebol Are Alike, Author says

By Elaine Ramirez (elaine@heraldcorp.com)
While Koreans’ rising presence on the global stage is hard to ignore, how to do business with them as a non-Korean is an increasingly tricky area little covered in English-language literature. Don Southerton explores the niche with his recently published book “Korea Facing: Secrets for Success in Korean Global Business,” which picks apart how to work with a Korean conglomerate from the ground up, for non-Koreans working in Korean branches overseas.

“Over the years I witnessed firsthand cross-cultural issues that surfaced as Korean companies expanded globally. My role has been to address these issues such as poor trust among the Korean and Western teams, lack of communication, local employee turnover and managing expectations,” Southerton said in an email interview with The Korea Herald.

Cover image of “Korea Facing: Secrets for Success in Korean Global Business” by Don Southerton

Although he has long been aware and exposed to the cultural differences in Western and Korean business settings, he said, it was when he began working at a Korean subsidiary in the U.S. in the early 2000s that he witnessed the differences between how U.S. and Korean teams managed the company.

He noted that the differences in decision-making processes, for example, had been a particular source of friction between Korean and Western teams: Key decisions were always deferred to the parent headquarters in Korea, and Koreans in the overseas branches needed to scrutinize and approve even the most mundane matters, regardless of the Western team’s experience in the field.

He discovered, as he writes in “Korea Facing,” that all too many frustrations were rooted in not knowing how to do things “Korean style” ― or, for the Korean side, not knowing any other way.

In “Korea Facing” he shares his personal experiences from working particularly for Hyundai-Kia overseas branches as a coach, consultant and trainer with those Korean and Western teams, and offers experience-based advice for overcoming those workplace challenges.

His chapters explore basic business culture lessons, from the levels of the Korean managerial hierarchy, to nuances on the right timing for getting approvals, meeting protocol ― upon meeting foreign teams, Koreans line up their business cards on the table to match their seating order, and he advises doing the same ― identifying and resolving conflicting expectations and ambitions of Korean and Western teams, and insight on just how much the Korean chairman’s wife might influence the direction of the company.

But Korean companies are gradually loosening their neckties and adapting to Western business practices, he notes.

“I feel the Korean groups have seen the need to be flexible and adapt quickly to changes in global economic fluctuations,” he said. “For example, in the recent global recession they saw an opportunity to expand when others pulled back in production, R&D and marketing. They capitalized on this opportunity to leapfrog ahead of the competition.”

Additionally, young Korean employees sent overseas have often attended school or lived abroad, and increasingly more Korean executives have worked overseas as expats. And as the overseas businesses are increasingly using English to communicate, so, too, do they adapt more casual Western business norms and practices, he added.

Beyond all the differences between Korean and non-Korean working cultures, Southerton noted, Korean companies deal with many of the same challenges: How quickly projects can be approved and executed depends on the individual company; Korean and Western companies both struggle with generational gaps when trying to create harmony and cohesiveness within their ranks; and no two Koreans or Korean companies are alike, nor should they be approached as such.

The last is a theme he drives throughout his book ― affiliates under the same chaebol and even sub-divisions of affiliates have entirely different business cultures, and it is important not to work on assumptions based on experiences with other companies, he emphasizes.

“One common mistake by Western teams outside Korea is assuming that because they might have worked for other global companies such as a Japanese firm that they will have few challenges adapting to a Korean company,” he said. “Norms, expectations and mindset differ, even with Korean groups.

“Many Western overseas teams have stereotyped Koreans, often based on their interactions with the early expats dispatched to the local operation. Like Westerners, experience, training and skills vary ― some Korean expats do well while others struggle,” he added. “In global business we need be mindful of others, and recognize that Korean teams and leadership vary in their approaches to challenges and management.”

“Korea Facing: Secrets for Success in Korean Global Business” is available through iBook, Kindle, Nook and Amazon.

BBC Click Looks at Korea Tech

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 07:25:03 PDT

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor
In February I hosted BBC World Service journalist Gareth Mitchell in Korea. This is first of Gareth's series on Korea tech. LINK http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p016tl1t

Gareth Mitchell with Gary Donohue: technology integration specialist for the 'Village' School at Chadwick International School in Songdo IBD, South Korea

Questions, Comments ?

My New Historical Novel Set in What is Now North Korea

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:41:42 PDT

Historical Novel Looks At Early Twentieth Century Korea's North Frontier

Author Don Southerton announces the release of a latest historical novel set in what is now North Korea. The work is titled A Yankee in the Land of the Morning Calm: The Northern Frontier.

Denver, Mar 18, 2013 -- Author Don Southerton announces the release of his latest historical novel set in the early years of the twentieth century in what is now North Korea. The work is titled A Yankee in the Land of the Morning Calm: The Northern Frontier, Book Three 1900--1907. The book weaves key historic events of the era with a fictional account of Yankee trader Josh Gillet.
Southerton notes, "Linking fact and fiction, A Yankee in the Land of the Morning Calm: the Northern Frontier follows Connecticut Yankee Josh Gillet's adventures in Korea during the early 1900s when American concessionaires and influence were making huge new inroads in Korea. "

In addition the author points out, "American missionaries and traders formed a core cadre among the foreigners who ventured to what the West called the Hermit Kingdom. The Korean monarch Kojong, looking to thwart ever-growing Japanese imperialism, pursued a strategy of granting trade concessions, including lucrative mining rights, to westerners. By the early 1900s, the Northern Frontier mines were among the richest in Asia. It is here the main character Josh settles and becomes a productive member of the mining community. Meanwhile, growing tensions between Russia and Japan move the region and Korea ever closer to war.

A Yankee in the Land of the Morning Calm: The Northern Frontier will appeal to those interested in better understanding Korea and the role westerners played in the opening of the region to the commerce and modernization.

About the Author
Don Southerton has held a life-long interest in Korea and the rich culture of the country. He has authored numerous publications with topics centering on the Korean auto industry, new urbanism, entrepreneurialism, and early U.S.-Korean business ventures. Southerton is often called upon by the media (the BBC World Service, Bloomberg TV, Korea Times, Yonhap, Wall Street Journal, tbs eFM and Forbes) to comment on modern Korean business culture and its impact on global organizations. His firm Bridging Culture Worldwide provides strategy, consulting and training to Korea-based global business.

This is the author's third historical novel. The Northern Frontier is the final installment of the A Yankee in the Morning Calm trilogy. The series blends fact with ample amounts of imagination.

A Yankee in the Land of the Morning Calm: The Northern Frontier will be available through iBooks, Kindle, Nook, and Google.

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Korea Facing Interview--tbs eFM 1013 Main Street

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 05:04:00 PST

By Don Southerton, BCW 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

Questions? Would like a complimentary copy of the book? Just email Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

Collaboration

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:11:30 PST

By Don Southerton, BCW 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

Global Business Expert Sees Continued Korea-facing Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 10:40:46 PST

Seoul, South Korea, February 16, 2013

Don Southerton, CEO and President of Bridging Culture Worldwide, a global Korea facing consultancy sees South Korea continuing to offer new opportunities. Southerton notes that although some sectors of the Korean market like QSR (quick service restaurants) appear saturated there is still demand in the service sector and for proven, premium brands. Furthermore, as stated in a recent a Wall Street Journal article “Korea is Primed for M&A’ the major Korean Groups with their strong cash reserves are well positioned for M&A outside South Korea.

Southerton points out that other than a few exceptions, for example, E.Land recently acquired K-Swiss, and in 2011 Fila Korea purchased golf giant Acushnet (Titleist),
the shift to M&A is a change from the past--the business model of the major Groups like Samsung and Hyundai being 'growth from within' and creating their own divisions vs. acquisition.

Challenge
With this trend to M&A, Southerton sees both Korean Groups and the new acquisition requiring specialized support to ensure a smooth transition and continued growth. Similar to forming an overseas subsidiary, acquiring a foreign firm requires understanding local customs and business culture. That said, with a M&A, a high level of employee sensitivity and internal communication is essential to re-assure concerns that will surface within the local teams and management. Adding to the challenge, both local and dispatched Korean expat teams will need support, cross-cultural coaching and training. In particular, there is need for a forward-thinking strategy to be in place from Day 1 that will address concerns as they surface and frame the transition as positive.

About Don Southerton
Don Southerton has held a life-long interest in Korea and the rich culture of the country. He has authored numerous publications with topics centering on the Korean auto industry, new urbanism, entrepreneurialism, and early U.S.-Korean business ventures. Southerton is often called upon by the media (the BBC World Service, Bloomberg TV, Korea Times, Yonhap, Wall Street Journal, Forbes) to comment on modern Korean business culture and its impact on global organizations. His firm Bridging Culture Worldwide provides strategy and consulting to Korea-based global business.

Inquiries dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

Korean Lunar New Year: Year of the Black Water Snake

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:50:01 PST

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor

Along with Chuseok (the fall harvest festival), Lunar New Year is the most important of traditional Korean holidays.

The year of the Black Water Snake will begin on Sunday February 10. The Black Water Snake is associated with longevity, fertility and good fortune. People born in the Year of the Snake are said to be influential, insightful, motivated, intellectual, and determined to succeed.

Regarding the Korean holiday, I have some recommendations.

For your Korean colleagues (in Korea), you can wish them Happy Lunar New Year by phone, or email on Thursday Feb. 7th, in the late afternoon. ( early Friday in Korea).

For expat Koreans working in the U.S. or globally you can wish then Happy Lunar New Years on Friday (pm) or Monday Feb. 11 .

Here is the formal greeting--Sae hae bok mani ba deu say yo.

I suggest you also share with your non-Korean teams the significance of the holiday.

In Korea, Seol includes gift-giving and family activities that show respect to elders and ancestors.

Most Korean businesses are closed for the holiday with Koreans traveling to join their family or take a short vacation.

Hope this is helpful, Sae hae bok mani ba deu say yo

Southerton Bloomberg News TV Samsung Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 20:23:52 PST

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor
As always Korea's largest Group "Samsung" and the Lee family draws media and public attention. This Bloomberg News TV segment, which I offer some thoughts, looks at sibling rivalry within the Lee family.

Bloomberg Television's "Bloomberg West." (Source: Bloomberg) Questions? Comments?

Attention: Korean Overseas Teams and Management

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:33:23 PST

Korea Teams and Manangement...Mark you calendar for the week of February 18th.

Don Southerton, recognized as a leading expert on Korean global business, will be in South Korea and available for a limited number of coaching and training sessions. Korea teams and management that support their company's international operations will benefit from Southerton's insights and how best to cope with the challenges they face....

Southerton has extensive experience working with both expat (ju jae won) and local western teams worldwide, including: North America, Mexico, UK, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Iceland, Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Middle East, India, and Australia.

Korea facing training and coaching programs developed by Southerton have been distributed worldwide and in seven languages.

To discuss dates still available email dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

Korea Facing 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:19:59 PST

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor
As we begin a new year, I'd like to share some thoughts on Korean facing global business for 2013.

Questions?

BTW We are always interested in new opportunities, so keep us in mind....
Contact: Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

DS

Korea Facing Book Interviews Online

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:07:16 PST

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor
Thought you may appreciate links to my recent Korea media interviews. Essentially, I encourage collaboration and offer thoughts on what is the best way to approach Korean facing business--in Korea and globally. BTW Each interview looks at the topic from a different perspective.

1. Last week’s tbs eFm Seoul radio interview is now available in mp3 format.
Here’s the link. Just download and listen.
http://sites.google.com/site/ds19192/mp3/0108_Don_Southerton.mp3

2. WSJ Korea Real Time
Southerton Advises Non-Koreans in Overseas Korean Offices
Wall Street Journal
http://blogs.wsj.com/korearealtime/2013/01/14/southerton-advises-non-koreans-in-overseas-korean-offices/

This was also re-posted on Marmot's Hole, the leading Korean blog for expats.
http://www.rjkoehler.com/2013/01/18/advice-for-non-koreans-working-for-korean-companies-overseas/

3. Busan Hap
http://www.busanhaps.com/article/korea-facing-interview-korea-global-consultant-don-southerton

Hope this is helpful.... more media to come...
My thanks go to the eFM Morning Show team, WSJ's Evan Ramstad, Marmot's Robert Koehler, and Busan Haps' Jeff Liebsch...

DS

WSJ: Southerton Advises Non-Koreans in Overseas Korean Offices

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:43:04 PST

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... An Update

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 07:45:38 PST

Again, best wishes in the new year...

With the release of Korea Facing: Secrets for Success in Korean
Global Business feedback and comments have been very positive. In
some cases, global teams are sharing the book across their
organization as a tool to better educate staff on the nuances of
their Korea-based company. We've also been interviewed by Seoul's
tbs eFM "This Morning" show, (an on-demand link to the talk is
forthcoming) with more media interviews in the works...

One common question is how to access the book? There are several
options.

Option #1 Apple iBook (my favorite and free)

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/korea-facing-secrets-for-success/id589661138?ls=1

Option #2 A PDF version is available upon request.

Option #3 Kindle or Nook.

Option #4 Amazon, which offers the book in eBook and Print versions.

Questions, Comments, Feedback? I'd be interested in your thoughts.

As always, if you or your company has need for my consultancy,
please let me know by email or Phone +1-310-866-3777. We're always
interested in learning more about your business needs and opportunities.

Don

Korea Facing: Secrets for Success in Korean Global Business

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 08:50:45 PST

For Immediate Release

Denver, Colorado January 2, 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, Korean market entry, 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)

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,

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

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Korea Facing: Happy New Years

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 04:57:15 PST

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor

Sae hae bok mani ba deu say yo

Like most Asian countries, South Korea has two different New Years—one that follows the solar calendar and one that uses the lunar calendar. Traditionally the lunar New Year's, called So-nal, has greater cultural and familial significance (In 2013 it will be celebrated on February 9-11). Both are legal holidays.

As for the solar New Year’s celebration, in 1896, as part of reforms instituted to Westernize and modernize Korea, the Gregorian calendar was adopted, along with some of the West’s holidays such as the January 1st New Year’s celebration.

Today I find Korea’s celebration of New Years similar to celebration in America. For example. Koreans make New Year’s resolutions where they promise to exercise regularly or eat fewer sweet things—such as chocolates and candy.

A popular resolution every year is to study harder to improve English language skills—a skill seen as much required and needed in the global workplace.

It’s appropriate to wish your Korean colleagues a seasonal greeting prior to the holiday, just as you will wish your non-Korean friends “Happy New Year’s.”

The New Year’s greeting is “Sae hae bok mani ba deu say yo.” It is a great phrase to learn because it will also be used again at the lunar New Years celebration in February.

Holiday Greeting and Korea's First Christmas Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 07:41:47 PST

By Don Southerton, BCW 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

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 09:00:49 PST

By Don Southerton, BCW 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

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:56:27 PST

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.

Why Korean Brands Gain Ground in America

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 07:48:27 PST

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor

With work that centers on Korea-facing business, I have some deep insights into the extent and the role that South Korean companies play as top foreign investors in the United States. The many Korean brands with significant US investment include the familiar Hyundai, Kia, Samsung, and LG, along with Hankook and Hyosung (both car tire related), Doosan (Bobcat), Translead (trailers), Rotem (trains) MOBIS (auto parts), Innocean (marketing) and Forever 21 (apparel).

Surprising to many is that ever increasingly my “Korea work” takes place here in America and globally, not in Seoul. I then explain that along with thousands of others I have benefited from the growing popularity of Korean brands. I expect this trend to increase with the EU and KORUS FTA (Free Trade Agreements).

Candidly, I feel the true impact of South Korea interests in the U.S. is overlooked when considering the magnitude of Foreign Direct Investment, employment opportunities, and product appeal across America—although the job side is most often promoted. By this I mean what is usually missed is “why” Korean firms continue to invest billions of dollars in facilities, people, and marketing in the U.S.

Why? It’s a win-win. Frankly, Korean products sell. In other words, Korean brands have invested heavily in the U.S. market and continue to expand because they see significant opportunities for growth. Meanwhile, the American consumer finds products of high value and quality along with a trendy design.

And as a closing thought, I have seen Korean brands build upon themselves. By this I mean a Kia car owner might shop at Forever 21, while toting a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with plans for a K BBQ lunch. Not to mention "Liking" Gangnam Style on TubeTube, and if a golfer and using Titleist balls, the brand in now owned by a Korean company.

Questions, Comments, Feedback? I'd be interested in your thoughts. Just email me.

As always, if you or your company has need for my consultancy, please let me know.

NEW: Korean Expatriate Global Business eLearning Series

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:41:00 PST

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:

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.

Flexibility--Unlike instructor-led training the course is accessible 24-7. This allows the participant to fit the training into their schedule.

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:

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.

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

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

Korea Facing: Similar but Different

noreply@blogger.com (Don Southerton) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 05:10:56 PST

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor

Following a recent workshop, I had the opportunity to chat with the local subsidiary's Korean CEO. He hoped I'd shared with his team how the company in Korea and the US differed from the Group's sister firms--many wrongly assuming a high level of conformity across the Group. I assured him that "yes," I shared in the training how even within the Group each company had it's own unique culture. And, not only did sister companies differ, but how the Koreans recruited and working at companies within the Group were different. On parting I added, and the CEO agreed, that a key point to be shared was that Koreans dispatched to support the division's overseas operation over time came to see things differently than the Korea-based teams.

Building on this...
Prior to a global workshop on the ever changing Korean workplace, a senior Korean executive once asked that I also explain to the group that despite perceived outward appearances and their homogenous society that no two Koreans are alike....In other words he asked that I help dispel common stereotypes, etc.

I agreed, and did my best to pass on the message that like Westerners--behaviors, mindset, and experience varied among Koreans...this despite strong corporate culture and indoctrination.

In particular, factors contributing to how Koreans might differ can include: generational issues, global travel, work, and educational experiences, and significantly how they were mentored in a management style.

As for the later, during a team building workshop held several years ago, a senior Korean manager openly shared some insights on Korean management styles. He noted that within his Korean division teams were mentored by seniors in one of several styles.... For example, some senior managers fostered a "soft" management style of collaboration, while others used a "hard" autocratic style. Elaborating more about how he was mentored, he learned to first present the challenge to his team, then ask his juniors for their thoughts. And in the case of working in the overseas' subsidiary he learned to ask the American colleagues for their ideas vs. directing the team on what to do--a style he'd been taught by his longtime boss.

Questions, comments, feedback?