Over the years, Samsung Electronics has been transitioning from a vertical, old military-style hierarchical structure to a more horizontal corporate culture to foster creativity and clear out hurdles that may impede progress. These efforts are ongoing, and in a new move to simplify things further and clear out unnecessary tension, Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman and CEO Han Jong-hee recently asked to be called by his initials rather than the honorific title of hits job.
“I'll be asking you to call me JH instead of buhoejang-nim or daepyo-nim,” JH told executives and Samsung Electronics staff during a meet-and-greet event on Friday (via The Investor). “Nim” is an honorific suffix added to show respect, while “buhoejang” and “daepyo” translate to “Vice Chairman” and “CEO,” respectively.
Furthermore, he added, Samsung can foster a horizontal work culture by encouraging employees to show mutual respect and address each other as “pro” (professional) or “nin” regardless of their job descriptions.
Under “New Samsung,” employees can't track their colleagues' promotions
As part of “New Samsung,” the company wants to do away with archaic requirements for promotions, such as a minimum term of service under the company.
Furthermore, beginning this year, Samsung will disallow its employees from tracking their colleagues' promotions. These strategies are all part of Samsung's new commitment to fostering a “future-oriented work environment.”
A strong, almost military hierarchical structure is deeply rooted in Samsung's history (and that of other South Korean companies), so this is another significant step for Samsung in its quest to modernize the company structure and work environment.
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