Navigating the Business Culture: A comparative perception Korea, India, and the Global Landscape
In this fast-paced era of globalization, where business borders are as thin as a sheet of rice paper, understanding and getting your way through international business cultures is not just smart - it's essential. Picture this: an Indian techie, a Korean sales manager, and a Global consultant walk into a conference room - no, this isn’t the start of a joke - this is my life! 🌍
As someone who has lived in Korea for seven years, pursued an MBA, and worked in various sectors, I have had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in Korean and Indian business cultures. and in this blog, I want to share my experiences, insights about the diverse business cultures across the border.
Korean Business Culture: The Art of Hierarchy and Efficiency
When I first came to South Korea, I really wanted to find out the secret behind successful Korean businesses and how they made their way into the global market. Well, There is a lot to learn about Korean business culture but one of the basic qualities I have seen in almost every Korean business is “Hard work”. There is no substitute for that, committing to what you want to achieve and giving your best to that goal is what most Korean companies have in common.
Korean business culture is also characterized by a high degree of hierarchy and efficiency. However, nowadays it feels like Korean culture is getting divided into two parts, startup/IT company culture and traditional way of Korean working culture, which you can see in big corporate companies. During my experience in a startup IT company in Korea, I observed that respect for seniors, working towards making things happen, and the drive to learn and improve is deeply ingrained in the company culture. The atmosphere is also more light and traditional hierarchy is slowly disappearing. While, in most big corporates, Titles are important, and decisions often come from the top. The Korean term ‘Nunchi’ is an essential aspect, which refers to the subtle art of listening and gauging another’s mood. It’s about understanding your place in a social hierarchy and acting accordingly.
Another striking feature is the importance of building relationships. ‘Hoesik’, or company dinners, are common, where employees bond over food and drinks. This is considered vital for team cohesion. This lets you feel connected to your peers in a less formal way.
Now, let’s see how things happen in the Indian way.
Indian Business Culture: Diversity and Relationship-centric
India, a land where colors, languages, and traditions blend like spices in curry, boasts a business culture as diverse as its heritage. Here, relationships are the golden threads that weave the fabric of business. During my adventure as a country manager of an IT camera app company, I noticed that business meetings often start with personal discussions before delving into business matters. People like to build some kind of connection before they get into actual business dealings.
But, there is an interesting cultural practice that I am not a big fan of.
Let’s talk about time - or rather, IST which also stands for Indian Stretchable Time. It’s an unspoken understanding that appointments are, well, flexible. Don’t be surprised if a meeting scheduled for 10 AM starts closer to 11 AM. It’s not tardiness; it’s just IST! ⏰
And speaking of flexibility, negotiations in India are an art form. Deadlines? They're more like guidelines. Deals are sculpted through discussions that can be really elaborate and mostly verbal. People get their work done more on the phone than through emails or documents. But my advice is even though you discuss things on a call, no matter what, get everything in writing and get them documented. Believe me, it’s extremely important.
The corporate ladder in India is more like a climbing wall – there’s a hierarchy, but it’s not as rigid as in Korea. Young professionals often have an eye out for the fast lane. While the wisdom of experience is respected, there’s a growing appetite for shortcuts and rapid solutions rather than choosing hard work.
Moreover, the open-door policy is quite popular. Don’t be shocked to see the CEO’s cabin door ajar. It’s a symbol – ideas and people are welcome.
But here’s the catch - while the hierarchy might seem relaxed, don’t underestimate the value of titles and respect. The boss is still the boss, and a touch of formality goes a long way.
In essence, doing business in India is like navigating through a bustling market - it’s vibrant, chaotic, and enriched with relationships. It demands patience, a knack for negotiation, and an open heart to embrace its diversity.
Global Business Culture: A Mix of Openness and Innovation
Comparatively, Western business culture, particularly in the US and Europe, tends to be more open and diverse along with hunger for innovation. The atmosphere is less hierarchical and more egalitarian. Ideas flow freely, and everyone’s input is valued.
What struck me during international conferences was the candidness. Networking in the West is like a brisk walk in the park - straightforward and refreshing. People get to the point and are open to exploring business opportunities without much ado.
Additionally, work-life balance is not just a poster on the wall; it’s practiced. Flexible hours and an emphasis on personal time are common.
Lastly, Western companies often wear their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) badges with pride. Whether it’s environmental sustainability or community development, giving back is integral to their business ethos.
In essence, Western business culture is a mixture of innovation, openness, balance, and social consciousness, woven together in a dynamic environment.
Personal Insights and Adaptation
My experience in Korea taught me the importance of being perceptive, the importance of never giving up, documentation, and understanding organizational hierarchy. It honed my skills in non-verbal communication. In contrast, working with Indian counterparts, I learned the art of negotiation, leadership, and the importance of patience in building relationships.
In a global setting, I had to adapt by being more open and direct in communication. Understanding these cultural nuances was not just about adapting my behavior; it was about respecting diversity and realizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to business.
Conclusion
Understanding the business culture of Korea, India, and the global landscape is like navigating through a complex web. It’s about being adaptable, perceptive, and, most importantly, respectful of cultural diversity. As businesses become more global, the ability to navigate through these cultural nuances becomes not just an asset, but a necessity.
It’s fun, Try it!
Written by
Nidhi Agrawal