Regional specialists in focus: spearheading Samsung’s globalization initiative from Korea

ABSTRACT

This study explores Samsung’s unique regional specialist programme, a pivotal strategy that transformed the company into a global powerhouse. We conduct a thorough analysis of the programme from multiple perspectives, encompassing human resource development and management, expatriation management and talent management. Additionally, we examine Samsung’s field expert programme, which complements the esteemed regional specialist programme. We find that the regional specialist programme enriches expatriates’ skills through overseas exposure, alleviating expatriation challenges and fostering loyalty. Simultaneously, it broadens the talent pool for future leadership. In a different vein, the field expert programme offers flexibility and aligns with specific industry needs in overseas subsidiaries. This study provides both theoretical and practical insights, valuable for companies seeking to manage their international ventures more adeptly and navigate competitive global markets.

KEYWORDS:

• Regional specialist programme
• field expert programme
• Samsung
• Korean human resource management
• expatriation management
• talent management

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Yonsei University Research Fund (2022-22-0301) and Yonsei Business Research Institute.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jong Min Lee

Jong Min Lee is Assistant Professor of International Business at the School of Business, Yonsei University, South Korea. Before joining Yonsei, he held the position of Associate Professor of International Business and Strategy at the Henley Business School, University of Reading, UK. His research interests lie at the intersection of international business and global strategic management. His current research focuses on the management of multinational firms with a particular interest in subsidiary portfolio characteristics, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and the role of intellectual property regimes. He also explores the evolving structure of global business, with a specific focus on digital platforms and business model innovation in the Korean-pop industry. His recent works have appeared in the Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of World Business, Journal of International Management and Journal of Business Ethics, among others.

Taehyung Kim

Taehyung Kim is Assistant Professor at the School of Industrial Management in Korea University of Technology and Education (KoreaTech), South Korea. Prior to joining KoreaTech in 2021, he worked for 17 years at Samsung Economic Research Institute, IBM Business Consulting Services, and LG Uplus. His research primarily focuses on international human resource management, compensation and performance management, technical vocational education and training, and flexible work arrangements.