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We all have similar dreams: namely, that our future turns out better than our present. In other words, we are all hoping for change. But do we really embrace the change that is required for a better future?
In line with Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher of Ephesus, who famously said, "The only thing that is constant is change," it is important to understand our society is in a state of constant change. By taking a closer look at the global business environment, or by skimming the headlines of business newspapers, the picture falls in line with Heraclitus' quote ― many businesses cannot keep up with the pace of change. And it has never been more apparent than today.
Change, or better, innovation, is propelled by creative and critical minds, which makes us, as entrepreneurs, the fundamental element of innovation. Thus, to stay ahead of the competition, businesses must constantly be ahead of other innovation-thirsty entrepreneurs. This means that they must innovate to get ahead of change.
To get ahead of change is perhaps impossible in today's hypercompetitive global market; but trying to is the only way to achieve a better future. In essence, it means to run faster than anybody else, to have greater ambition and bolder ideas, as well as bigger dreams! Now, the keys then are the propellers of innovation ― the creative and critical minds, and how to foster and nurture them.
Google is a good example of a company with a corporate culture that fosters and nurtures creativity. Yes, many perks come with working at Google, which most definitely helps attracting many talented people. Nonetheless, it is more likely that it is the corporate culture ― underpinned by employee freedom and empowerment that drives Google's innovation success. When it comes to the general Korean corporate culture, it is quite fair to say that it is the antithesis of Google's.
There are of course some outliers, like KakaoTalk and Naver, which have taken steps to change the corporate culture. But in a nutshell, the Korean corporate culture is more or less characterized by hierarchical and autocratic structures that breed obedient followers, not critical and entrepreneurial minds. Similar arguments are valid for Korea's education system. Students, like employees, in Korea know that the right answer ― the only truth ― resides with higher authorities like the professor or the supervisor.
And everybody knows that challenging authorities is a clear faux pas, which if anything will get you into trouble. With an educational and corporate culture that do not champion creative and critical thinking, the bold ideas and the big dreams that are so important in our societies, and for the whole world, are likely to fade away like distant memories.
In the new knowledge economy, talented employees, in terms of critical and creative ideas, are indispensable inputs. But, more important are empowered employees ― they are the crucial ingredients for organizational success. Students and employees alike are Korea's most untapped source of innovation. Empowering them will enable Korea to effectively leverage its intellectual capital, to better compete in the global market and to achieve great things. Empowering students and employees is equated to changing the current educational and corporate culture.
Change that, and Korea will innovate its way to a better future. Change requires change!
The writer is a master's degree candidate in international commerce at a
Seoul-based University. He can be reached at 83110ah@gmail.com.
