Climbing the Korea ladder (human resource management in Korea)

Climbing the Korea ladder (human resource management in Korea)

Monthienvichienchai C. People Management (UK), 8 February 2007, Vol. 13 No. 3, Start page: 30, No. of pages: 4

Purpose – Discusses some of the human resource management issues faced by Standard Chartered Bank when it bought Korea First Bank. Design/methodology/approach – Notes how the bank’s strategy was communicated to staff using large maps which described the history of the two banks, their marketplaces and their strategy to win. Describes how the relationship with the very strong labour unions was developed stressing the need for a personal relationship between management and union officials. Examines the problems of feedback in a system where staff maintain absolute loyalty to their manager and unquestioning obedience reciprocated by the manager protecting his staff. Looks at the issue of the Korean tradition of status through age making the promotion of younger employees difficult. Shows how the human resource function was adapted. Originality/value – Provides an insight into the national traditions of Korea and how they affect management development.ISSN: 1358-6297Reference: 36AG723

Keywords: Management development, Industrial relations, Promotion,International trade, Standard chartered bank, Mergers and acquisitions