Personal Interrelationships
Korean office politics can be very complex, with groups of individuals commonly in competition with others. A common division of groups is of people who graduated from the same universities.
View of Foreign Firms as Employers
Although Koreans had high expectations of foreign firms in the 1970s, expectations dropped after many employees didn’t feel like they had high job security and became frustrated from language and cultural differences. Korean companies also improved enough to offer similar or better compensation for workers.
Hiring
Classified Advertisements
Advertising is an easy way to fill low level positions. Be very specific in job descriptions and use the many free or low cost solutions available to advertise a position.
Referrals
Just like most other countries, your best source of talent can usually be found through referrals of current employees.
Executive Search
These days finding a Korean executive is getting much easier. There are many good middle-man companies that have been successful in placing executives with companies.
Firing
A common practice for employers in Korea is to keep an employee working for two or three extra weeks without pay after firing them if the employee has not harmed the company. This helps the employee save face and find another job while in transition.
Demotion
About 90% of terminations are voluntary. Most Korean companies hold onto employees until they decide to leave for one reason or another. Not receiving a pay raise or bonus more than once in a row is a big disgrace.
Disciplinary Action
Most techniques are the same in Korea as in other countries.
Transfer
Sometimes it is fine to transfer employees to different sections if they are not performing well. If they are causing issues, it might be best to terminate them in case they become a liability later on.
Separation Settlement
If someone is asked to leave or switch to part time, it is customary to offer a large bonus above what the minimum requirements are along with recognition.
Trained and Skilled Management is Essential
It’s very important to have managers who can perform many functions commonly performed by other departments, like human resources. Other than just being better suited to help the company, they are also less likely to make damaging mistakes.
Prudent Diplomacy
Don’t ever rush into a decision. Without patience, you could create an environment where workers don’t feel secure or appreciated.
Go to the next chapter, Korea’s Corporate Middle Managers or select a chapter.
