Tourism Corporation Employee-Selected 'Leaders to Emulate' Revealed Upon Closer Look

Announcement of the All-Employee Participation Voting Results

The Korea Tourism Organization Labor Union under the Korean Federation of Public Service and Transportation Workers' Unions (Chairman Byeon Jeong-seop) announced on the 25th that it selected and announced the organization's role model leaders through a vote by all employees.

Korea Tourism Organization building. [Photo by Korea Tourism Organization]

The role model leaders selected were △Kim Gyeong-ju, London Branch Manager, as a model for working methods and culture creation △Kim Jong-hoon, Director of Management Support Office, as a model for culture creation △Yang Gyeong-su, Director of Tourism Industry Office, as a model for working methods and culture creation △Jeong Seok-in, Director of Planning and Coordination Office, as a model for working attitude.

The labor union stated, "This campaign was planned to establish a positive image of good executives who serve as role models for many employees and to spread this positive influence among executives."

The selection was conducted through an anonymous mobile vote targeting all employees of the organization, including executives. A total of 119 team leaders and above, excluding headquarters chiefs, were eligible to vote.

The voting matched leaders to excellent categories such as △model working attitude △model working methods △model culture creation. Over about a month, a total of 525 votes were received, and the final role model leaders were selected after review by the labor union's executive committee based on the highest votes.

Additionally, the union conducted a survey among employees regarding the qualifications that exemplary leaders should have. As a result, employees identified leading by example, responsibility for work, and expertise in tasks as essential qualifications related to working attitude.

Regarding working methods, quick decision-making, clear work instructions, and consideration for employees were emphasized, while in culture creation, the ability to communicate with employees and foster a harmonious organizational atmosphere was highlighted.

Conversely, a survey was also conducted on undesirable leader types. The results mentioned △emotional, self-centered, work-avoidant, irresponsible leaders △leaders lacking understanding of work and unable to guide organizational direction △leaders who lack communication, are autocratic, and do not consider employees.

Regarding the first implementation of the role model leader campaign this year, the labor union explained the purpose and encouraged participation through opportunities such as the delegates' meeting and one-on-one interviews between the chairman and all union members to alleviate various internal concerns. The Korea Tourism Organization Labor Union stated, "About 67% of participants in the survey hoped that this campaign would continue in the future."

Chairman Byeon Jeong-seop said, "It is true that there were concerns among employees during the first implementation, but I feel rewarded as some employees have already felt the effects through the system," adding, "We will continuously monitor and provide recommendations to management to demonstrate that this system is not a one-time event or popularity vote, but an effective system to be established."

The union plans to hold a separate awards ceremony on August 23rd to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding and to encourage the 'role model leaders.' Furthermore, it plans to utilize accumulated data in the future to derive best practices and link them to the spread of a culture of mutual respect.