Seoul Symphony Orchestra president’s foul-mouthed leadership

Not all female leaders have feminine leadership. Golda Meir, the fourth prime minister of Israel, criticized feminists calling them “idiots who burn brassieres,” and said having a baby is the biggest achievement that a woman can make. The former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who served as Prime Minister three times, didn’t have any single female official in the first Cabinet and her assistants were all men. One of her nicknames was "the only man in the Conservative Party."

Don’t take an example from afar. It is not easy to find any feminine characteristics in the leadership of President Park Geun-hye, except for her elegant appearance. Her leadership based on the principle and trust is a great strength as a politician. But the president is criticized for "no-communication" attitude. Without exception, President Park casts a razor-like glaring eye to anyone who talks non-sense or makes a comment that is not in line with her intent. She has made a comment on the regulations, saying, "unnecessary regulations are ‘enemies to destroy,’ ‘a cancer lump,’ and ‘something to be sent to guillotine.’" It sounds even terrifying, feeling more than words of commitment.

Park Hyeon-jeong, president and CEO of the Seoul Symphony Orchestra (SPO), causes a stir by saying sexually-insulting words to employees. It is quite surprising to hear that such comments as “If you make a loss to the company, sell your organ (to repay),” or “You seem to do a great job as a bar hostess,” are made by a woman. In general, horizontal leadership that puts more emphasis on relationship and communication is referred as feminine leadership, compared to authoritative leadership that focuses on results. Former executive of Samsung Life Insurance, Park may naturally have been soaked in a corporate culture that puts priorities on results and performance.

Since her inauguration as SPO President in February 2013, Park has performed a surgery on reckless management of the orchestra and complacent culture of the employees, bringing a whirlwind of transformation. That was a great achievement, but she seems to have failed to persuade the personnel. Reportedly, Park had serious discord with Conductor Chung Myung-whun. Some view that Seoul City Mayor Park Won-soon and Chung have driven the employees to expel Park. However, no matter how right the direction of reform is, if a leader does not behave and say as a true leader, the momentum of reform will naturally subside. It seems that Park’s education and career backgrounds - doctoral degree from Harvard University and former executive of Samsung – do not guarantee successful leadership.