Kokomo prepares for Korean arrivals
Alliance hosts cultural education sessions to improve business interactions
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Hundreds of people from South Korea are expected to make the Kokomo area home over the next few years as the StarPlus Energy electric vehicle battery plant comes online. There is a pronounced cultural barrier that exists between Koreans and Americans that will need to be addressed.
The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance recently held the first of four programs designed to tear down that barrier. Korean native Sooyeon Shin with Moyers Consulting in Lafayette was brought in to educate local business and civic leaders on the importance of social and business interactions. She was surprised that the first session in late April sold out.
“It's amazing how this community is so eager to put on programs like this and be prepared for the exciting, upcoming change of having a lot of Korean folks coming to your community,” said Shin. “I'm very happy to see you guys here wanting to learn something about my country.”
Shin’s first session was designed to teach basic skills to use in personal and professional life when dealing with Koreans. In future sessions, she will provide training on things like the importance of food and beverages in Korean business culture, on body language, gift-giving, and how to show interest and apologize.
But it all starts with the first impression. Koreans place great importance on how to meet people. Shin explained that the business mindset of Koreans is based in the teachings of Confucius, specifically when it comes to showing respect to authority and the elderly.
“We express this by bowing,” said Shin. “We also have two different versions of our language: formal and informal. We use the formal version of the language in business settings where we're addressing people that are older or higher ranks.”
Koreans also embrace collectivism, staying in groups throughout their lives. They remain close with their classmates from school, their military comrades, and their professional circle. That collective mindset affects the way Koreans speak as well. Shin explained that the words “I” and “we” are rarely used.
“When someone is talking about their wives and husbands, they actually use the word for ‘our’ husband, ‘our’ wife,” said Shin. “That can be confusing If someone's directly translating from Korean to English. They're not sharing their spouses with anybody. It's just the way we say it. It's just so embedded in our culture.”
The collective tendency is set aside when making business decisions, however. In those instances, the decisions come from the top, not from collaboration.
“Decisions will be made from the top down,” said Shin. “That's more common than having everybody sitting around the table to have a two-hour long discussion to come up with the same decisions.”
Korean greatly value social interaction, Shin explained. They will invest time getting to know the people they meet in a business setting, and they expect that interaction to go beyond the boardroom.
“Expect to spend some time getting to know a person from Korea, because we like to visit with people we have met in person,” said Shin. “Social events are very much expected in Korea. If you have a chance to visit Korea on a business trip, expect extended business meetings in restaurants, in pubs and coffee shops.
“And karaoke. You cannot get away from karaoke if you visit Korea. So, if you're in a business setting, before you go maybe have a song in mind that you're comfortable singing. I strongly recommend you know popular songs by Journey, Queen, The Beatles … you get the point.”
Koreans also adhere to the concept of quick action, or “palli palli,” which means “hurry hurry.”
“Expect punctuality in meetings and transactions because of the ‘hurry hurry’ culture,” said Shin. “We like to be on time. We like to get things done.”
There are several other nuances to Korean interaction. They often use both hands when shaking hands, sometimes even grasping their right forearm with their left hand when greeting. They will use soft, non-aggressive eye contact, and they do not cross their arms or legs during an interaction.
“In a general sense, it comes off as impatient or that you're wanting to end the interaction,” said Shin.
Koreans also dislike saying no to someone, Shin said. They will avoid doing so directly to allow the other person to save face.
“We’ll start with literally saying ‘yes,’” said Shin. “Then, we’ll follow with, ‘but, actually, it’s a no.’”
Gift-giving is also a vital part of a business interaction when meeting someone for the first time. This manifests initially with the exchange of business cards. A card is presented with both hands and a slight bow, and the card should face the recipient.
Beyond that, a literal gift is expected, and one will be given in return.
“Gift-giving is a very common practice at a first business interaction,” said Shin. “And it's all about the packaging. You know the saying, ‘Don't judge a book by its cover?’ It's reversed when it comes to packaging in Korea. We will judge by its cover. So, spend some time putting a nice package together. It shows that you put some thought into it.
“And try to give something that is unique to your area, that you cannot buy off of Amazon. Office items with your company logo are good. You can never go wrong with desserts or liquor. A bad practice when it comes to gift getting: avoid multiples of four. The word we use for number four is associated with death.”
The most important and simplest advice Shin gave, however, is something that people should practice regardless of who they meet.
“Be polite, be patient, and be thick skinned,” said Shin.
The Alliance will host four additional sessions focused on Korean culture. The sessions are currently full, but there is a waiting list in case of cancellations. To join the waiting list for future sessions, visit greaterkokomo.org.