Change-Driven Leadership: HYOSUNG’S Leaders Leading the Way in Transformation 

People often fear change because its outcomes are unpredictable. Neuroscience tells us that our primitive nervous system has a natural homeostasis mechanism that instinctively resists change, much like how we sweat to lower our body temperature when it rises. 

Whether we notice it or not, change is always happening. As society advances, the pace of change accelerates, so much so that we often say the world changes in a single day. But this change doesn't actually happen overnight. It appears to do so because of the invisible efforts that go into envisioning, preparing for, adapting to, and leading these changes. 

Every company understands the importance of change. It is an unspoken yet embedded principle within any management philosophy and is reflected in the pursuit of adaptive organizational cultures. They always ask themselves: What identity should we pursue in our business in a rapidly changing world? Which areas should we strengthen to prepare for the future, and in what direction should we steer our course? Addressing these questions proactively and preparing for change allows a company not just to keep pace but to drive change and achieve sustainable growth. 

HYOSUNG's Change-Driven Leadership in Times of Transition 

As a company aiming for a 100-year legacy, HYOSUNG is currently undergoing a transformative period. Once focused primarily on manufacturing, represented by its textiles division, the company is now expanding into the industries of telecommunications, digital, AI, and renewable energy as part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This natural evolution includes ventures into fashion and retail, alongside deep involvement in the clean energy sector. At the same time, HYOSUNG is focusing on solutions to overcome climate challenges, including decarbonization and recycling. 

In such transitional times, the most crucial component is leadership that drives change. HYOSUNG’s approach to change-driven leadership falls into four main areas: 

1. Innovation in Work Practices 

Traditional work methods in corporations have included vertical hierarchies, fixed working hours, document-centric processes, and one-way communication. While these methods were sufficient for growth in the past, advancements in IT and the demands of the 21st century—where rapid decision-making, field awareness, and individual creativity are essential—necessitate a different approach. 

Building on its industrial experience, HYOSUNG is introducing advanced smart IT solutions across its business sectors, enhancing organizational and individual efficiency in fields like energy, finance, and industry. The integration of AI and digital infrastructure improves both corporate operations and customer service. A prime example is Hyosung Heavy Industries’ AI-powered ARMOUR solution. 

▲ Mozambique EDM(Electricidade de Moçambique) Asset Management System Developed by Hyosung Heavy Industries Using ARMOUR 

ARMOUR defines, collects, processes, monitors, and analyzes various time-series data generated on industrial sites to enhance system stability. ARMOUR’s Micro Service Architecture (MSA) allows each service to be independently deployed and operated, reducing dependencies and simplifying maintenance. For example, if traffic surges in power service monitoring, only that component needs to be scaled, thus increasing overall system stability. 

2. Organizational Culture and Leadership Improvement 

HYOSUNG emphasizes that enhancing organizational culture is at the heart of effective leadership. It fosters an environment where members can communicate freely and actively and advance toward their goals independently, ensuring long-term success and survival. Key to this environment is a leader who leads by example. Here, a leader isn't merely an executive or a team manager but anyone who proactively participates in projects. 

Through leadership training, HYOSUNG actively nurtures leadership talent and strengthens information sharing via internal forums. The Digital Insights Forum is an internal company-wide information sharing forum to improve the motivation of executives and employees and drive symbolic behavioral and workplace changes for a more connected culture. HYOSUNG supports cultural transformation initiatives, like informal attire, casual meetings, and workspace changes, and encourages flexible communication to bridge generational gaps within the company. 

3. Symbolic Actions and Recognizing Change 

There are no more “late-working” executives now. Top leaders, represented by executives, are moving beyond rigid authority and shifting to a field-focused business approach. A phrase that resonates with executives is, “We must align with the Gen-Z Generation values.” HYOSUNG’s leaders have recognized the importance of change and are early adopters of it. 

▲ Hyosung Leadership Development Program (Source: Hyosung Group Website) 

Leaders should leave the office first, create common values regardless of rank and job function, and dress casually in meetings. It is essential to recognize diverse creativity and eliminate the fear of failure through innovation hubs and startup incubator programs to encourage new ideas to emerge. In fact, this is what HYOSUNG leaders talk about the most. The symbolic behavior of leaders plays a big role in helping employees feel and adapt to change. 

4. Continuous Education and Knowledge Sharing 

Along with the organization, culture, and systems, education is paramount. HYOSUNG offers a wide range of programs, from foundational courses in ESG, safety, social responsibility, and ethical management to specialized leadership, management philosophy, and professional training. Leadership training for new hires as well as mid-level managers has improved decision-making and team management skills, with 1,022 employees completing the program to date. 

As HYOSUNG’s recent businesses are actively expanding around the world, including the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia, global education, which teaches global business awareness, cultural differences, and local laws and regulations, is also popular. It develops employees into global leaders by teaching them about the business environment, economic and cultural differences, and customer requirements in international markets, as well as language and communication enhancement skills. 

Change-Driven Leadership: The Key to Future Growth 

HYOSUNG is pursuing digital transformation and sustainable growth based on change-led leadership. We innovate ways of working, improve organizational culture with leadership at the center, and recognize and share change through symbolic actions. Continuous education and knowledge sharing are the keys to perfecting leadership. Change may be daunting, but it is not something that can be avoided. HYOSUNG is steadily leading these unseen changes, envisioning a sustainable future as a global enterprise.