3 min read Bridging the Cultural Divide: Understanding Korean In-Group and Out-Group Dynamics Korea, a land steeped in rich traditions and cultural nuances, often presents a puzzling contrast of etiquette and behavior. Foreigners may encounter overwhelming hospitality and generosity from friends and acquaintances yet may also observe indifferent or even rude behavior in public settings. This contradictory behavior […]

4 min read In Korea, as in the West, honesty and loyalty are virtues. However, loyalty has traditionally been considered a higher value in Korean culture. This is reflected in the Korean language, where the word for "loyalty" (충성, chungseong) is also used to mean "fidelity" and "devotion." In recent decades, Korea has undergone significant economic and social […]

3 min read In today's uncertain economic climate, job security is more important than ever before. But what exactly is job security, and how can you achieve it? Job security can be defined as the likelihood that you will keep your job for a sustained period of time. It is influenced by various factors, including the overall economy, […]

3 min read Feedback is the key to success in any organization, especially for executives. Executives need to be able to give and receive feedback effectively to set the company's direction, make strategic decisions, and motivate and lead their teams. Giving and receiving feedback effectively can lead to a number of benefits, including improved performance, increased self-awareness, and […]

2 min read This study, from Japan's Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, entitled "Empirical analysis of the impact of aging of the workforce on innovation and productivity," should be of interest to people beyond Japan as the whole of the developed world is now facing an aging workforce and lower birthrates.  The study used patent applications […]

3 min read In today's global economy, businesses need to be able to find and hire the best talent from all over the world. This can be a challenge, but it's essential for businesses that want to stay ahead of the competition. Retaining Kestria gives you a significant edge in the war for talent. Our global network, deep […]

4 min read Career transitions are inevitable in the dynamic world of business. As organizations evolve and new challenges emerge, so too must the skills and abilities of the professionals who lead them. I have coached and placed hundreds of executives over the years, and I know firsthand the challenges of making a career transition. One of the […]

4 min read Inflation is the word of the day. Inflation has been the word of the day for at least a year. If it had to share the title with any other phrase, that phrase would undoubtedly be interest rates.  Inflation matters to companies. P&L leaders worry about input costs and the ability to price products and […]

3 min read I hope this newsletter finds you well. As you know, Asia is facing a demographic crisis. The region's birthrates are declining, and this is having a major impact on businesses. In this newsletter, I will discuss the implications of declining birth rates for businesses in Asia. I will also share some tips on how businesses […]

3 min read If you are a reader of our friends at Erudite Risk’s daily reports on Northeast Asia, you’ll recognize the theme of today’s newsletter: geopolitical tensions are driving a reshaping of capital flows, goods trade, and sentiment regarding Asia—and not in a good way. You’ll recognize it because Rodney Johnson, the president of Erudite Risk, has […]