Supercorporate: Distinction and Participation in Post-Hierarchy South Korea

In a post-hierarchical world, South Korean offices should prioritize fair distinction and equal participation, reflecting the country's shift away from hierarchical past. The book "Supercorporate" explores how managers strive to perfect corporate social life while minimizing the risks of creating new hierarchies, highlighting the challenges of economic democratization in East Asia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Stanford University Press

In the book "Supercorporate," anthropologist Michael M. Prentice delves into a critical dilemma that arises in the visions of big corporate life in South Korea's twenty-first century: should corporations strive to be fair and equal in their practices, or should they prioritize distinction and hierarchy? As South Korea moves away from its historical roots of hierarchy, Prentice argues that the drive to redefine corporate labor reflects a fundamental ambiguity surrounding corporate work in the present day. While corporations continue to be idealized as destinations for middle-class aspirations in South Korea, employees are torn between seeking greater recognition for their efforts and seeking meaningful forms of cooperation.

To explore this complex issue, Prentice conducts an in-depth ethnography of the Sangdo Group conglomerate. Through this study, he examines how managers attempt to cultivate a perfect corporate social life by implementing new office programs while simultaneously minimizing the risks of creating new hierarchies. The book sheds light on how office life becomes a battleground for navigating the promises and perils of economic democratization in one of East Asia's most dynamic countries.

One of the key themes that emerges from "Supercorporate" is the tension between individual recognition and collective cooperation. Prentice argues that as corporations strive for greater efficiency and productivity, they often prioritize individual performance and rewards over collective goals and collaboration. This creates a culture where employees are driven by competition and self-interest rather than by a shared sense of purpose and collective well-being.

To address this issue, Prentice suggests that corporations should prioritize equal participation and fair distinction in their practices. He advocates for a shift towards more democratic and inclusive workplace cultures that value the contributions of all employees and promote collaboration and teamwork. This includes implementing policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as providing opportunities for employees to develop their skills and advance their careers.

Another important aspect of "Supercorporate" is the role of technology in shaping office life. Prentice argues that the increasing use of digital technologies and automation has led to a shift in the nature of work and the way employees interact with each other. While these technologies have brought about many benefits, such as increased efficiency and productivity, they have also created new hierarchies and divisions within corporations.

To address this challenge, Prentice suggests that corporations should embrace technology as a tool for promoting equal participation and collaboration. He advocates for the development of digital technologies that facilitate communication and collaboration among employees, regardless of their location or position within the organization. This includes the use of collaborative software, virtual meeting platforms, and other tools that enable employees to work together seamlessly and share their ideas and expertise.

In conclusion, "Supercorporate" is a thought-provoking book that offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing big corporate life in South Korea and beyond. By examining the tension between individual recognition and collective cooperation, the role of technology in shaping office life, and the promises and perils of economic democratization, Prentice provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex dynamics of corporate work in the twenty-first century. The book's insights are relevant to policymakers, business leaders, and employees alike, as they seek to navigate the changing landscape of corporate life and create workplaces that are fair, equal, and inclusive.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503629479