There’s a lot of buzz today about the tension between North & South Korea, and the potential for deeper conflict. In such interesting times, I think it’s possible that we can learn from this.
From my perspective, it looks as though North Korea are collectively behaving like a workplace bully. They don’t want to share resources, or even communicate with colleagues at all. At times, they become downright hostile, over what seems to be very little.
Too often workplace bullies are allowed to get away with their behaviour, either because it’s too difficult to deal with them, or people are too timid to speak up. We’re in a similar predicament here. North Korea has been allowed far too much leeway, partially because some members of the United Nations have vetoed resolutions that would enforce sanctions against the north.
How then, should bullies be dealt with? The first thing to remember in the workplace is that retaliation will only escalate conflict, and the same applies here. Once a conflict gets to this stage, you’re really looking at some very complex conflict resolution. In a workplace, that’s not too difficult, in this scenario, it most certainly is.
What’s interesting is the reward that any party can get from conflict. Take the workplace for example. Conflict takes time, resources and energy away from both individual and organisational goals. There’s very little reward to the participants, except perhaps a psychological payoff. The North Korea conflict example is similar. What type of reward can anybody expect from this type of physical conflict?
Now, I don’t for a minute think that workplace techniques can solve this conflict. I do however think that this conflict can teach us that bullies, workplace or otherwise, get bolder as time goes on. They need to be addressed as soon as possible, before any escalation occurs.
Can you think of any other lessons this conflict can teach your workplace? Feel free to post a comment below.
North Korea is seeking international attention by engaging in aggressive behavior. Their needs are to feed their population and avoid famine while keeping their army under control. North Korea wishes to play a more important role on the world stage and to be recognized by the global community as a significant player. Further, there are succession issues to weigh.
All of this country’s provocative moves are intended to establish their positions and ultimately their interests when and if it comes time to bargain with the concerned powers for North Korea’s needs. Without provoking conflict, the world will not pay attention to this volatile nation and their ruler. This is North Korea’s way of stacking their chips in the upcoming negotiations with China, Japan and the USA. Without this aggressive behavior, North Korea will face famine and a revolt of their millions of soldiers and a power struggle and threat to the ruling dynasty. As a nuclear power, the country is a major concern. By remaining peaceful and quiet, North Korea must deal with global indifference and dismissal as an important actor in the face of looming catastrophes. This is how they create a position from nothingness.