- Tip 1
- Companies tend to be strictly hierarchical with major decisions being taken at the top and delegated down for implementation.
- Tip 2
- Many of the large conglomerates (chaebols) are family run companies where much of the power and ownership resides with the founder's family.
- Tip 3
- Confucian ethics dominate Korean thought patterns and this translates in business terms into great respect for authority, age and seniority.
- Tip 4
- As well as formal functional hierarchy, many Korean companies have a strong informal hierarchy, which is based upon personal relationships and loyalties.
- Tip 5
- Confucian respect for authority dictates that managers will be respected simply because they are the manager.
- Tip 6
- Korean managers are expected to take a holistic interest in the well being of their staff - and this includes an interest in their personal life.
- Tip 7
- Initial contacts with Korea can amount to little more than preliminary, polite skirmishes, which are designed to commence the all-important process of relationship building.
- Tip 8
- The quality of relationship is of primary significance when working with Koreans. Do not jeopardise a relationship through impatience or making a key contact lose face.
- Tip 9
- Always show respect to senior people. Your trustworthiness and standing will, in part, be judged by your ability to create the right type of harmonious atmosphere.
- Tip 10
- Balance out the seniority of the two delegations. Senior people should be met by people of similar rank and standing.
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