Corporate Restructuring in the Face of the Korean Financial Crisis and Its Implications for Learning and Adaptation: An Evolutionary and Competence-based Perspective

경제위기 국면에서의 대기업 재구조화와 이의 학습 및 적응에 대한 함의: 진화론적 및 역량기반 관점

  • Lee, Jong-Ho (Department of Geography, Kyungpook National University)
  • Published : 2002.12.01

Abstract

This paper is concerned with unveiling the responsiveness of large Korean firms to external shock by examining corporate restructuring in terms of production and organization. Throughout empirical research, I speculate on how corporate restructuring influences and relates to corporate teaming and adaptation. The main findings of this research are as follows. First, the restructuring of business structure was expected to strengthen core competencies and improve profitability and the restructuring of organizational structure to make it possible for responding more quickly to radical changes in its business environment. Second, both downsizing and employment adjustment have assisted the firm with unlearning obsolete practices, preconditions necessary for effectively accomplishing new teaming practices. Third, both the spatial reorganization of production activities and process innovation require and involve learning processes. In conclusion, it claims that corporate restructuring can be seen as a powerful loaming tool, particularly in the context of radical economic change.

본 연구는 진화론적 및 역량기반 관점에 기초하여 외환위기 이후의 한국 대기업의 재구조화 과정을 생산과 조직을 중심으로 고찰함으로써 경제위기에 대한 기업의 반응성과 적응 특성을 밝힌다. 이와 함께, 기업 재구조화가 기업 학습 및 적응에 미치는 영향과 관련성을 규명한다. 사례연구는 한국의 대표적 기업가운데 하나인 LG전자를 대강으로 한 심층 인터뷰조사와 문헌고찰을 토대로 한 것이다. 주요 연구결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 사업구조와 조직구조의 재편은 기업 역량을 향상시키고, 경제환경변화에 대한 반응성을 높이는 데 있어 중요하다. 둘째, 다운사이징과 고용 조정은 기존의 루틴과 관행으로부터의 탈피뿐만 아니라 새로운 학습을 추구하는데 기여한다. 셋째, 생산조직의 공간 재편과 공정 변화 및 혁신은 다양한 수준에서의 조직적 학습 과정을 내포한다. 결론적으로, 본 연구는 기업 재구조화는 단기적 적응을 위해서일 뿐만 아니라 장기적 측면에서 학습과 적응 능력 향상을 위한 중요한 수단이 될 수 있다고 주장한다.

Keywords

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