Korean Job Discussion Forums

kimchi_pizza · Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 8:57 pm Post subject: I mean "business"!

This is for those with MBAs, business experience, or related activities. This week, my class and I are learning about "Doing Business" with a focus on business customs around the world.

I should could use some advice on common terminology, customs, and experiences. I would especially like to hear about any dealings you may've had in Korea. Happy outcomes and horror stories would be more interesting.

A few interesting points in out text are such as people in the U.K. prefer to have business lunches in pubs, business lunches in Latin America are long and leisurely while in the U.S. they are quick and to the point.

Other customs we'll talk about are the handing of business cards, giving gifts, use of first/last names, punctuality, negotiating tactics, etc.

Appreciate the help!

John Henry · Joined: 24 Sep 2004

I'd get an accounting book. Teach the vocab from there. Telling them that Englis people like to go to a pub is a waste of time for everybody. Who doesn't know that?

jmbran11 · Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Location: U.S.

Consider discussing the value/importance of drinking "socially" after work with business colleagues. Also, how much vacation "should" an employee receive annually? What characteristics are most important to receive a promotion? How is a good employee evaulated? You could address the interview process for obtaining a job and the prospects for job mobility in Korea vs. the west. All of these issues are mentioned frequently by students during my business classes.

The key is inspiring discussion rather than lecturing about how things are different in another part of the world (unless you are actually training them for overseas dispatch).

Zark · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 1:59 am Post subject:

The "drinking socially" part - is a good one to stress. Koreans need to know that if they drink to the point of throwing up and/or passing out with Western businessmen - that the business will most likley go elsewhere.

Juregen · Joined: 30 May 2006

kimchi_pizza · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 4:31 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the replys so far. This lesson is for a group of junior high English teachers and it's only one lesson, so I don't want to get to in-depth with the subject. Just looking for a few interesting stories or advice.

For example, a co-worker explained that she worked for a Chinese boss in Canada and didn't like the fact that she couldn't hold chopsticks properly. I guess it's important so as to impress Asian businessmen during meetings.

Another interesting topic may be how much Asian military history/texts play in the business world such as Sun Tzu's The Art of War or Miyamoto Musashi's The Book of Five Rings.

Zark · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 5:01 pm Post subject:

A short one-shot business class for Jr. High teachers?

Cultural differences in the business world (even something as simple as gestures and facial expressions (See Business Venture I) - and bad marketing English (lots of great - and funny - stuff on the net). Make it fun and interesting - no need to get too serious for a short course.