• Joanna Moore, HR Management Team Leader, on bridging Korean and Polish cultures
• LG Energy Solution Wroclaw promotes cultural exchange to drive team synergy and business innovation.

Joanna Moore, HR Management Team Leader at LG Energy Solution Wroclaw, participated in the 2nd “Diversity has power!” conference held at the Central Technology House in Warsaw on September 26, 2024. This event is supported by “Together for Diversity in Business Initiative” in Poland, an institution that aims to support organizations in implementing and advancing a culture of diversity.

As the discussion turned to Korea’s corporate culture, Moore shared her extensive experience in working with multinational teams across Europe and the U.S., where she also spent several years. Her presentation titled “Reading the Wind and Polish Persistence – the Role of Korean Culture in Multicultural Organizations in Poland,” explored the communication differences that arise between high- and low-context cultures. Moreover, her presentation intriguingly highlighted the importance of understanding cultural differences in fostering effective multinational cooperation.

“Everything is changing,” Moore said. “The work culture is also evolving, and Korean companies are transforming into multinationals.” During her speech, she talked about the similarities and differences between Polish and Korean work culture, revealed how Korean and Polish employees adjust to their colleagues, and explained the importance of eating together and socializing after work.

Here is a Q&A summarizing the key points of Moore’s presentation:

Q. What are some cultural similarities and differences between Koreans and Poles that can be observed in the work environment?

LG Energy Solution Wroclaw focuses on the cultural similarities more than differences, of which there are plenty.

Koreans are perceived as being very empathetic, but this may not always be immediately apparent. Koreans can appear serious on the outside, but are warm and welcoming on the inside. Similar cases are observed among Poles as well – American employees who come to LG Energy Solution Wroclaw for training regularly ask, “Are the Polish employees angry with us? We never see them smile.” But appearances can be deceiving.

When working in a Korean company, it becomes clear that building personal relationships is highly valued. Koreans often take the time to nurture connections outside of work by attending company gatherings, team dinners, and project celebrations. Sharing meals also holds particular significance in Korea, as it serves to strengthen relationships and encourage openness.

This can be surprising at times, especially when Korean coworkers ask personal questions like “Are you married? Do you have children? How old are you?” However, these questions are not intended to be intrusive or rude. Rather, they reflect the Korean desire to get to know more about a colleague. They want to build closer relationships with a genuine interest in how the other person lives outside of work.

Q. How has Korean culture been integrated into LG Energy Solution Wroclaw’s practices?

A traditional Korean family has a strong sense of hierarchy that extends into the corporate environment, with LG Energy Solution Wroclaw being no exception. Within this collective culture, employees work as a unified group, driven by a shared sense of responsibility and commitment to the company’s future. Rather than working out of compulsion, the industriousness that characterizes Korean companies stems from a genuine desire to contribute to every task, no matter how small, that is deemed crucial to the organization’s success.

A respected leader is typically at the top, and hierarchy is often linked to age. This means senior management positions are usually held by more mature and experienced professionals. Employees hold these senior figures in the highest regard, reflecting a deep respect for age and experience.

A particularly interesting aspect is the role of a CEO nearing retirement – a retiring CEO can transition into an advisory role, offering invaluable support to top management when making critical decisions.

Respect in the workplace also extends beyond senior management in Korea. Even younger colleagues show respect toward their elders, bowing as a gesture of deference to both age and position.

On the other side, Korea’s “ppali-ppali” mentality – meaning “fast, fast, fast” – reflects a broader cultural tendency to prioritize speed and efficiency in every aspect of life. Known for their quick decision making and impatience with delays, Korea’s “fast” mindset is ingrained in their approach to almost every daily task. This drive for constant improvement has played a crucial role in Korea’s rise to one of Asia’s most prosperous countries, often referred as “Asian Tigers.”

At LG Energy Solution Wroclaw, this relentless pace is evident every day. Employees work together to uncover the best solutions to various challenges quickly. There is a pervasive attitude that no problem is insurmountable, with “can’t do” not in the company’s dictionary, which encapsulates the company’s proactive and resilient spirit.

Q. Please describe any cultural exchanges occurring between Korea and Poland within the company.

LG Energy Solution Wroclaw is blending the vibrant cultures of Korea and Poland to promote a constant exchange of ideas and practices. Korean employees are adapting to European mindsets and customs, with some Asian colleagues adopting Polish names to facilitate smoother communication. Given that some Korean names are hard to pronounce, this gesture holds great significance.

It may come as a surprise to many, but many of the Korean employees speak Polish fluently. In Poland, a foreigner who speaks the local language is highly regarded, and the LG Energy Solution has many specialists and directors who can. LG Energy Solution Wroclaw also helps local employees learn Korean through an e-learning platform providing courses at three different levels. There are even several Polish Korean couples working in the company.

The employees of the company embrace the best of both cultures. This is reflected also in the office canteen, which offers a Korean lunch every day and encourages Koreans to frequently indulge in Polish cuisine. This includes the company president, Jangha Lee, who is particularly fond of Polish potatoes.

As such, the recruitment department values candidates who show a genuine interest in other cultures, who often highlight “Korean culture” as one of their key interests. During the recruitment process, the company interacts with people passionate about various aspects of Korean culture, such as K-pop, K-dramas, cosmetics, and the language. A company survey revealed that these candidates feel comfortable in the workplace, which is the goal for any employer.

Q. What are some of the key elements in fostering synergy between different cultures in a corporate setting?

Creating a unique space where different working styles complement each other is key to building effective teams in multicultural organizations. Intercultural education plays a fundamental role at LG Energy Solution Wroclaw, as understanding the differences and similarities between cultures is the first step to team harmony. Open communication is also extremely important and should consider different work styles, especially for Korean companies in Poland. Respect for diversity, management flexibility and the ability of leaders to adapt inspire greater innovation and creativity. Understanding global markets and adaptability helps a company achieve ambitious goals and, as a result, greater success.

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