Lead with Inclusion: Advocating for D&I in Your Korean Team
Hello! Welcome back to [Maeil Hangeul], where we upgrade your Korean skills for the real world!
Today, we’re tackling a sophisticated and incredibly relevant topic for anyone in or aspiring to a leadership role in a Korean context: proposing and advocating for Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) initiatives. This isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about using powerful, persuasive language to drive meaningful change. Recently in Korea, conversations around D&I have been gaining significant momentum, moving from a niche topic to a core strategy for innovation and global competitiveness in leading companies. Mastering this language will not only make you a more effective communicator but also a more forward-thinking leader.
Let’s dive into the key expressions that will help you champion a more inclusive workplace!
Core Expressions for D&I Advocacy
Here are four essential phrases you can use in proposals, meetings, and formal discussions to advocate for D&I.
1. 포용적 문화를 조성하다 (Poyongjeok munhwareul joseonghada)
- English Meaning: To foster an inclusive culture.
- Detailed Explanation: This is the cornerstone phrase for any D&I initiative. ‘포용적’ (poyongjeok) means “inclusive,” derived from the noun ‘포용’ (poyong), which means “to embrace” or “contain.” The verb ‘조성하다’ (joseonghada) is a formal term for “to create,” “build,” or “foster,” often used for abstract concepts like an atmosphere, environment, or culture. This phrase is perfect for formal presentations and documents outlining strategic goals.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
The pronunciation is quite straightforward: [포용적 문화를 조성하다, poyongjeok munhwareul joseonghada]. Pay attention to the aspiration in ‘ㅍ’ (p). It should have a distinct puff of air, making it different from ‘ㅂ’ (b). Ensure a smooth connection when pronouncing ‘문화를’ [munhwareul].
2. 다양성을 존중하고 장려하다 (Dayangseong-eul jonjunghago jangryeohada)
- English Meaning: To respect and encourage diversity.
- Detailed Explanation: This phrase beautifully captures the two-sided action required for D&I. ‘존중하다’ (jonjunghada) means “to respect,” a fundamental attitude. However, the key here is the more proactive verb ‘장려하다’ (jangryeohada), which means “to encourage” or “to promote.” Using this verb signals that you are advocating for active promotion of diversity, not just passive tolerance.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
Watch out for nasal assimilation in ‘장려하다’. Although written as ‘jang-ryeo-ha-da’, the ‘ㄴ’ sound in the preceding syllable ‘장’ influences the ‘ㄹ’, causing it to be pronounced as ‘ㄴ’. Therefore, the natural pronunciation is [장녀하다, jangnyeohada]. This is a common phonetic rule that will make your Korean sound much more fluent.
3. 구성원의 잠재력을 극대화하다 (Guseongwon-ui jamjaeryeogeul geukdaehwahada)
- English Meaning: To maximize the potential of team/organization members.
- Detailed Explanation: This is a powerful, strategic phrase that links D&I directly to business outcomes. ‘구성원’ (guseongwon) refers to all members of an organization. ‘잠재력’ (jamjaeryeok) means “potential,” and ‘극대화하다’ (geukdaehwahada) is a high-level Sino-Korean verb meaning “to maximize.” Framing your D&I proposal with this phrase shows that you understand its strategic value in unlocking the full capabilities of the entire workforce.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
This phrase contains a classic consonant tensing rule (경음화). The ‘ㄷ’ in ‘대’ following the final consonant ‘ㄱ’ in ‘극’ becomes a tensed sound, ‘ㄸ’. So, ‘극대화’ is pronounced [극때화, geukttaehwa]. Also, practice the smooth linking (연음) of the possessive particle ‘의’ in ‘구성원의’ [guseongwonui].
4. 소속감을 고취시키다 (Sosokgameul gochwisikida)
- English Meaning: To instill a sense of belonging.
- Detailed Explanation: This expression gets to the heart of “Inclusion.” ‘소속감’ (sosokgam) is the “sense of belonging,” a critical factor in employee satisfaction and retention. ‘고취시키다’ (gochwisikida) is a strong, formal verb meaning “to instill,” “inspire,” or “uplift.” It’s often used for inspiring ideals, morale, or profound feelings. Using this phrase demonstrates a deep understanding of the human-centric benefits of D&I.
- 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
The double consonant ‘ㅆ’ in ‘소속감’ creates a tensed sound without any aspiration, pronounced as [소속깜, sosokkkam]. For ‘고취시키다’ [gochwisikida], ensure the ‘ㅊ’ (ch) sound is clearly aspirated, with a strong puff of air, distinguishing it from ‘ㅈ’ (j) or ‘ㅉ’ (jj).
Example Dialogue
Here’s how these expressions might sound in a conversation between a Team Leader (김 팀장) and a Department Head (박 부장).
A (김 팀장): 박 부장님, 다음 분기 전략 회의 안건으로 우리 부서의 D&I 이니셔티브를 제안하고자 합니다.
(Bak bujangnim, daeum bungi jeollyak hoeui angeoneuro uri buseo-ui D&I inisyeotibeureul jeanhagoja hamnida.)
A (Team Leader Kim): Director Park, I would like to propose a D&I initiative for our department as an agenda item for the next quarterly strategy meeting.
B (박 부장): 아주 시의적절한 제안이군요, 김 팀장. 구체적으로 어떤 목표를 생각하고 있습니까?
(Aju siuijeokjeolhan jeanigunyo, Kim timjang. Guchejeogeuro eotteon mokpyoreul saenggakago itseumnikka?)
B (Director Park): That’s a very timely proposal, Team Leader Kim. What specific objectives do you have in mind?
A (김 팀장): 장기적으로는 포용적 문화를 조성하는 것이 목표입니다. 이를 통해 모든 구성원의 잠재력을 극대화하고, 궁극적으로는 팀 전체의 혁신을 이끌어낼 수 있다고 생각합니다.
(Janggijeogeuro-neun poyongjeok munhwareul joseonghaneun geosi mokpyoimnida. Ireul tonghae modeun guseongwon-ui jamjaeryeogeul geukdaehwahago, gunggeukjeogeuro-neun tim jeonche-ui hyeoksineul ikkeureonael su itdago saenggakamnida.)
A (Team Leader Kim): The long-term goal is to foster an inclusive culture. I believe that through this, we can maximize the potential of all our members and ultimately drive innovation for the entire team.
B (박 부장): 동의합니다. 모든 직원이 소속감을 고취시키는 환경을 만드는 것이 중요하지요. 구체적인 실행 계획을 담은 제안서를 다음 주까지 준비해 주시겠어요?
(Donguihamnida. Modeun jigwoni sosokgameul gochwisikineun hwangyeongeul mandeuneun geosi jungyohajiyo. Guchejeogin silhaeng gyehoegeul dameun jeanseoreul daeum jukkaji junbihae jusigesseoyo?)
B (Director Park): I agree. It’s crucial to create an environment that instills a sense of belonging in every employee. Could you prepare a proposal with a concrete action plan by next week?
Culture Tip & Trend Analysis
In Korea, discussions about corporate culture are evolving rapidly. The traditionally hierarchical, top-down structure (수직적인 조직 문화) is being challenged by the MZ generation, who place a high value on fairness (공정성) and mutual respect.
When advocating for D&I, framing it as a strategic imperative for innovation (혁신) and global competitiveness (글로벌 경쟁력) is highly effective. While the ethical argument is important, linking D&I to tangible business outcomes like maximizing employee potential (잠재력 극대화) will make your proposal much more persuasive to senior leadership. Using these advanced, formal expressions shows that you are not just following a trend, but are presenting a well-thought-out business strategy.
Let’s Practice!
Ready to apply what you’ve learned?
Exercise: Imagine you are writing an email to your HR department to propose a new mentorship program. Using at least two of today’s expressions, write one sentence that explains the program’s main goal.
(Example: 이 멘토링 프로그램은 신입사원들의 소속감을 고취시키고, 장기적으로는 포용적 문화를 조성하는 것을 목표로 합니다. – This mentoring program aims to instill a sense of belonging in new employees and, in the long term, to foster an inclusive culture.)
We’d love to see your sentences! Share your answers and thoughts on D&I using today’s powerful vocabulary in the comments below
