New book advocates 'insightful management' amid shifting paradigms

Lee Seung-han, founding CEO of Korea's major supermarket chain Homeplus, who currently chairs the consulting firm Next & Partners, speaks during a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday, held to mark the publication of a new guidebook, "Insightful Management through Liberal Arts and Science." Courtesy of Next & Partners

What defines the Korean approach to business management? Lee Seung-han, a veteran with over 50 years of combined experience at Samsung Group and the founding CEO of Korea’s major supermarket chain Homeplus, highlights two key principles: patriotism and glocalization.

“Korea’s rise from one of the world’s poorest nations to a global economic powerhouse began with the first generation of entrepreneurs who believed in serving the nation through business. They saw corporate management as a way to contribute to the country — a patriotic approach rarely seen elsewhere,” said Lee, who currently chairs the consulting firm Next & Partners, during a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday.

“Moreover, the Korean business system doesn’t simply adopt global standards; it adapts them, achieving true glocalization. As protectionist policies start gaining momentum worldwide, the importance of glocalization is growing more than ever. In this shifting landscape, Korea possesses unique potential to thrive.”

The Tuesday conference marked the publication of “Insightful Management through Liberal Arts and Science,” a new guidebook co-authored by Lee and seven other experts, including Kim Youn-sung, president of the Korean Academic Society of Business Administration.

The guidebook examines leadership models and management cases of homegrown corporations that have risen to global prominence, as well as provides forward-thinking strategies to help businesses achieve sustainable growth. Its release comes at a critical juncture, with Korea standing at a pivotal economic crossroads.

The cover of "Insightful Management through Liberal Arts and Science" by Lee Seung-han et al. / Courtesy of Next & Partners

“Around the world, we are witnessing rapid transformations in digital technology, artificial intelligence and supply chains, alongside a seismic shift in environmental and social paradigms. On top of that, Korea faces an existential crisis, grappling with a steep population decline and stagnant growth,” the chairman noted.

“Now more than ever, we need a heightened sense of urgency and crisis awareness in this defining moment.”

It was this recognition of the monumental challenges ahead that led to the publication of this book. Drawing on more than half a century of experience, Lee emphasized that the core pillars of future-ready business management are insight and alignment.

To achieve what he calls “insightful management,” the chairman urges business leaders to move beyond viewing management as merely an assembly of functional components — such as manufacturing, marketing and human resources — and instead embrace a perspective rooted in humanities-driven reflection and scientific reasoning.