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: Paperback / softback
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 envisioning the future of large corporations in South Korea. The question at hand is whether these corporations should strive to create fair distinctions or promote equal participation among their employees. As South Korea moves away from its hierarchical past, 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 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 issue, Prentice conducts an in-depth ethnography of the Sangdo Group conglomerate, shedding light on how managers attempt to cultivate a harmonious corporate social life through innovative office programs. At the same time, they strive to minimize the risks of creating new hierarchies within the organization. Through this comprehensive analysis, the book unveils how office life becomes a battleground for navigating the promises and perils of economic democratization in one of East Asia's most dynamic countries.

In the post-hierarchical world, South Korean offices are likely to undergo significant transformations. Corporations will prioritize creating a culture that values diversity, collaboration, and employee empowerment. Open office layouts, flexible work arrangements, and a focus on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration will become the norm. The traditional hierarchical structure, with its strict divisions between managers and employees, will give way to a more fluid and inclusive environment.

Moreover, companies will recognize the importance of employee well-being and mental health. They will introduce wellness programs, mental health support services, and flexible work hours to promote a healthy work-life balance. The focus will be on creating a workplace that fosters creativity, innovation, and job satisfaction, rather than solely on productivity and performance.

In terms of technology, South Korean offices will embrace digital transformation to enhance efficiency and productivity. Advanced automation technologies, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence will be integrated into daily operations to streamline processes and improve decision-making. This will also enable employees to work remotely and access information from anywhere, fostering a more flexible and mobile workforce.

However, the shift towards a post-hierarchical world will not be without its challenges. Companies will need to navigate the delicate balance between promoting equal participation and maintaining a sense of hierarchy. They will need to develop effective leadership strategies that encourage collaboration and teamwork while also providing clear guidance and direction. Additionally, concerns about job security, career progression, and compensation may arise, particularly for employees who have been accustomed to the traditional hierarchical structure.

To address these challenges, companies will need to invest in employee training and development programs to enhance their skills and knowledge. They will also prioritize communication and transparency, ensuring that employees are well-informed about the organization's goals, values, and expectations. Regular feedback and performance evaluations will be implemented to provide employees with opportunities for growth and development.

In conclusion, the future of South Korean offices is likely to be characterized by a shift towards a post-hierarchical world. Corporations will prioritize fair distinction, equal participation, and employee well-being. Open office layouts, flexible work arrangements, and technology integration will become the norm, while the traditional hierarchical structure will give way to a more fluid and inclusive environment. However, companies will need to navigate the challenges of promoting equal participation and maintaining a sense of hierarchy to create a workplace that fosters creativity, innovation, and job satisfaction. By investing in employee training and development, promoting communication and transparency, and addressing concerns about job security and compensation, South Korean offices can position themselves as leaders in the global business landscape.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503631878