Dispatch of Local Managers O'seas to Learn
Globalization Strategies Desperately Needed
By Lee Kun-hee
Samsung Group Chairman
(78)Everyone is talking about globalization these days but it seems far too few are actually practicing it in their own day-to-day lives. For globalization to be successful, both the mind-set and actions must change.
To say ``I am a Korean and I am the best.'' simply will not do. Especially with the rapid pace of change around the world. Korean managers must shed their conventional ways, and favoritism toward their home region and develop into global strategists who can take on the world.
(79)For this to happen, the traditional way of thinking must change. People who protect and favor only what is familiar cannot accept or embrace other foreign cultures.
They must forego the concept of exclusivity and bravely open their hearts and souls.
At the same time, they must learn and practice rules of etiquette that are accepted internationally. It is necessary certainly to practice good traditional Korean manners but one will only be recognized as an truly global person if he or she also understands the etiquette of other cultures.
(80)Naturally, language is an important aspect of globalization. In advanced countries like Switzerland or Germany, people speak two or three languages in addition to their mother tongue.
For Koreans to be reborn as global strategists, they should be able to converse fluently in at least two foreign languages.
Particularly in view of today's era of competition without boundaries, it is critical for businesses to foster such global strategies as a foundation of their business strategy.
(81)Managers need to be dispatched to overseas locations to gain first-hand experience and learn foreign cultures, customs and history.
Foreign experts should also be recruited to work in domestic offices so that we can benefit from their international perspectives here at home.
One hundred years ago, Korea began dispatching to Europe groups called,``Shinsa Yuram-dan,'' roughly translated into delegations of gentlemen, to learn the ways of the West.
Korean companies should embrace such traditions and expedite the dispatch of their managers to foreign locations. It is a matter of economic survival.
(82)What is also needed in undertaking these globalization efforts is to remember the challenging spirit and vitality of the legendary Chang Po-go.
Born during the Shilla Kingdom, Chang traveled to China under the Tang Dynasty rising to the rank of general. Later, angered by the slavery of his people by pirates, he returned home to establish the famed Chonghae Naval Base in the southern island of Wando-do, Cholla-namdo.
(83)Having defeated pirates active in the seas of Southeast Asia, and dominating the regions with his military powers, Chang turned his eyes to the lucrative maritime transport routes servicing Japan and China.
In addition to exporting Korean goods to China and Japan, Chang virtually monopolized the trade of merchandise between the two neighboring countries.
(84)Chang's control of the triangular region of Korea, China and Japan and international maritime transportation is comparable to modern-day trade and contributed significantly to the development of the Shilla Dynasty.
The legends of Chang Po-go is known even today as far away as Portugal. He epitomized the international outlook that distinguished Korea from other countries more than 1,000 years ago.
(85)Such a proud race of people has now been diminished to a level where the country is marred by political infighting and protectionistic policies. Besides being the world's only divided nation, we have become like a frog in a well who knows not what is happening beyond his horizon.
The economic war that is embroiling us today is likened to the establishment of the Chonghae Naval Base more than 1,000 years ago. Korea must gather its strength and pride and create a second Chonghae Naval Base.