Diamond Dilemma: Shaping Korea for the 21st Century [Paperback]

Tariq Hussain (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2, 2007

The "Diamond Dilemma" provides a profound, provocative, and unique outsider's inside perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing South Korea. It concludes with a passionate plea for change, highlighting how the country can achieve its full potential as a shining diamond. The book received wide-spread acclaim and media attention in Korea, where it was released by Random House Joongang. The English version is now available on Lulu. "For anyone ... trying to understand how nations and industries evolve, what role Korea and other Asian countries are likely to play ..., and why some companies succeed and others fail, the 'Diamond Dilemma' is a fascinating and indispensable guide." Sir Geoffrey Owen, Senior Fellow, London School of Economics, and former editor of the Financial Times

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Lulu.com (March 2, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1430306416
• ISBN-13: 978-1430306412
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,721,824 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable insight into the Korean Business culture, climate, and future trends., July 21, 2008

By 

Jaewoo Kim "OB-Wan" (Santa Monica, CA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Diamond Dilemma: Shaping Korea for the 21st Century (Paperback)

This is the book to read if you are interested in doing business or working in Korea. It provides insightful observations and analysis of the many unique features of doing business in Korea. Even native Korean businessmen (this was a best seller in Korea) have a lot to learn from this very prescient and informative book.

The author has worked at Booz, Allen, and Hamilton in Korea for 7 years. He has very deep knowledge on the intricacies of the Korean culture, business practices, climate, and future trends.

He also provides some excellent suggestions on how Korea can best adjust to become more competitive in the rapidly changing global world.

The author goes into depths of the Korean culture. Its history is briefly detailed and some unique characters of the Korean people (good and bad) and how they extend into business practices are explained.

1)China and how its rise is impacting Korea is analyzed in detail. The rise of Chinese economic and geopolitical power has bigger impact on Korea than most Asian countries.
2)Analysis of Chaebol (large conglomerates such as Samsung, Hyundai,and LG) and their overwhelming impact on the Korean economy are well contemplated and written.
3)The benefits of doing business in Korea involves its world class infrastructure, 3rd largest economy in Asia, highly educated and capable human resources, and unparalleled ability to execute in record time.
4)Challenges of foreigners doing business in Korea involves dealing with the militant labor unions (mostly for manufacturing), restrictions on free flow of capital in and out of the country, and competing against the all powerful chaebol (for talent, market share, etc).

I highly recommend this book for those who want to get a better understanding of modern Korean economy and future trends.