I am now the chief editorial writer of The Korea Times. I also worked as the managing editor of the newspaper for 26 months from April 2018. Before that my stints included Politics Desk editor, Business Desk editor, City Desk editor and Culture Desk editor. As a journalist of The Korea Times, the most influential English newspaper of Korea, I have been committed to promoting 'international justice' beyond the social justice pursued by vernacular papers. My career includes working as a visiting scholar in Britain's Cambridge University from 2006-07.
Nation should promote civility
By Shim Jae-yun
The dictionary defines civility as courteous behavior, politeness and showing regard for others. Civility is what separates humans from wild animals and from barbaric civilizations. Civility forms the basis for human peace and mutual prosperity by promoting altruism and generosity toward others.
Samsung recently implemented a new code of conduct for employees and their supervisors. The code includes punitive measures against supervisors who verbally abuse subordinates. Indeed, verbal abuse is not uncommon in organizations. We sometimes witness senior employees say, “Do you wear your head just for formality?” to reprimand lower-ranked staff.
Such treatment from bosses traumatizes employees, causing humiliation and inner anger. Verbal abuse seriously undermines employees’ happiness, creativity and initiative, and consequently, the company’s productivity. Firms can only grow when employees feel happy and are dedicated to achieving their goals as members of their company. Jerry P. Haenisch, a noted sociologist, alleged employee productivity is largely hindered by poor supervision, management and communication, in a 2012 study.
A few days ago, I had a lunch meeting with a man who had long served at Japanese firms. Touching upon the politeness of the Japanese business people, he said when they introduce their CEO to their business partners, they never use honorific expression for the CEO to avoid annoying the clients.
Did Samsung, the nation’s No. 1 conglomerate, learn from Japan in terms of civility by implementing the above-mentioned new code of conduct? Only time will tell, but I hope many other Korean companies will follow Samsung in creating a new organizational culture where employees and supervisors respect each other.
The government also needs to learn civility. President Park Geun-hye was applauded recently for her seemingly successful visit to China. She showed her respect of fellow Chinese leaders by learning how to speak Chinese and learning China’s history and philosophy. Alongside K-pop stars, Park has managed to win over the Chinese people. Even when talking about the problematic topic of North Korea, Park has never lost her temper. Her responses always reflect her firm belief that only mutual trust can resolve problems. Thus, it is not surprising that she enjoys a high approval rating of around 60 percent, the highest since she took office.
Park’s civility in addressing state affairs contrasts with the abrasive nature of deceased former President Roh Moo-hyun, who never failed to create a stir with harsh statements that aroused the concern of the people. Her manner also contrasts that of former President Lee Myung-bak, who has been criticized for his seemingly philosophical absence and sometimes duplicitous business-like way of state administration.
Civility should begin at home with mutual respect and love among family members, and then spread to all of members of society. Children raised in such families are sure to grow up decently. We see many families break up due to a lack of such civility. Parents play a very important role in promoting civility. Fathers, as well as mothers, need to show respect for their children to ensure they pursue a righteous course of life. Respect and love will help prevent the 120,000 cases of domestic abuse reported every year.
Choi Jang-jip, a noted progressive scholar, recently described civility as the very value the nation’s progressives or liberals should pursue. There has been too much conflict and distrust between liberals and conservatives over the definition of ideologies. We should listen to this wise man’s emphasis of civility because it could be the very value that brings peace and happiness at home, the workplace and the nation.