Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Business leaders seek ways to ease intergenerational tensions at work
AMCHAM Korea Chairman James Kim, center, hosts a webinar to discuss ways to reduce intergenerational tensions in the workplace, Tuesday. The panel included Morgan Philips Korea Managing Director Christina Ahn, Qualcomm APAC SVP and President Kwon Oh-hyung, Colliers Managing Director Robert Wilkinson, Shell Companies in Korea Country Chair Oh Jiwon, and Anheuser-Busch InBev Marketing Director of Global Brands Tyler Joo. Courtesy of AMCHAM
By Kim Hyun-bin
Better communication key to reducing generation gap
By Kim Hyun-bin
Business leaders exchanged views on how to ease intergenerational tensions in the workplace during a webinar attended by the CEOs of four leading global companies, Tuesday. The event was held by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM Korea) in partnership with Morgan Philips Korea.
Among the speakers were Morgan Philips Korea Managing Director Christina Ahn, Qualcomm APAC SVP and President Kwon Oh-hyung, Colliers Managing Director Robert Wilkinson, Shell Companies in Korea Country Chair Oh Jiwon, and Anheuser-Busch InBev Marketing Director of Global Brands Tyler Joo.
The main subject of discussion was, “Can Millennials, Gen Z, and 'Kkondae' co-exist harmoniously in the workplace?” “Kkondae” is a Korean term referring to members of the older generation who are authoritative, set in the past ways and patronizing towards the younger generation.
“We created this webinar to showcase how companies can be effective if they can successfully navigate the management and teamwork of both 'kkondae' and the newer generation. If the leader can successfully create the right teamwork and synergy, it will ultimately lead to a great organization. I hope that this webinar will create these new dynamics for all of our member companies,” AMCHAM CEO James Kim said.
Kim was the moderator in conversation with the speakers about what creates intergenerational conflict in the workplace and what kind of measures are needed to facilitate more collaboration and teamwork.
“Millennials make up a significant portion of the workforce. We now work with younger employees who have their own unique generation of values and skills,” Kim said. “It is now more important than ever for companies to examine how to create a harmonious work environment so that the various generations of employees can collaborate effectively.”
Each representing a different generation, the speakers discussed their observations of the key differences between each generation and how to eradicate problematic practices.
They also shared their personal observations and insights about how much intergenerational conflict affects productivity and morale within the company, as well as advice for global company leaders striving to tackle these challenges.
“We should continue to listen to the voices of younger generations and talk to them with their language as much as possible. I strongly believe that this kind of leadership effort for better communication can reduce intergenerational tension,” Kwon said.
This webinar is part of AMCHAM's ongoing Webinar Series on various topics impacting the global business community in Korea. The next session is scheduled for Dec. 8, on the topic of “Top 10 Financial Planning Issues for Global Families.”
AMCHAM Korea was founded in 1953 with a broad mandate to encourage the development of investment and trade between Korea and the United States. AMCHAM is the largest foreign chamber in Korea, comprised of more than 800 member companies and affiliates with diverse interests and substantial participation in the Korean economy.