Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Dev]

Maybe I am just too sensitive and take things too personally, but today alone I sent two messages to Korean teachers that I work with via instant messaging software and neither of them wrote back (regarding school issues). Back home that would be a slap in the face. I'd think the same rule would apply here, but I am not sure.

The real problem is that if I complain about it, it looks like I am making the problem. I think being uncooperative is the Korean way of being sticking it to you. I've worked in other countries beside my own and have usually found my co-workers to be professional about work whether they liked me or not. It's all about the job and getting things done. I guess I don't understand how things work in this country. There's a lot of guesswork.

Have you had times of uncooperativeness with your Korean co-workers?

[ChopChaeJoe]

You're getting huffy because someone didn't drop what they were doing to send you a precious, quick-turnaround IM?

Maybe they have something called a life? Look into it.

[seoulsista]

I have the Korean staff often ignore me when I make them aware of issues with particular students. No skin off my ass. Shit hits the fan I did my part and it's done.

You can in no way compare professionalism back home with professionalism here. Totally different standards. If they can't tell you what they think you want to hear than they won't say anything at all.

Maybe they didn't respond because they don't have the authority to tell you how to deal with it. So they are going to run it past some other people and if they can come back to you with the answer they think you want they'll give it to you. Otherwise you'll never hear about it again.

In name this is a democratic country but in practice discussing issues and resolutions to problems amoungst anyone but the very higher ups is not part of the routine at least not that I've seen. If it's a serious issue they would appear to be criticising the boss by discussing it with you.

Also, getting things done - puhh! Meaningless. LOOKING like you're getting things done - imperative.

[Qinella]

[Dev]

North American companies are results oriented. They don't care if you get along with your co-workers. Just get results.

Asian companies care more about team spirit and everybody getting along (or at least appearing to). Communication patterns are very complicated. Lots of things are understood and left unsaid. It's very hard for westerners to function in this kind of environment.

[Nok Yong]

seoulsista wrote: