[Global HR Forum 2014]"We need to promote cultures that embrace risk-taking, and tolerate failure."
In
commemoration of Global HR Forum 2014, to be held in Seoul between November 4-6,
2014, The Korea Economic Daily had e-mail interviews with several distinguished
guests on various subjects. The followings are e-mail
Interview with Eric Kaler, president of the University of
Minnesota...Ed.
Reporter:
Han-shin Park
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As a faculty member, dean, provost and now as president, one of my most important jobs has been to provide a structure and organization to nurture talent in individuals. To do this, I think leaders need to articulate a clear and compelling vision for an entrepreneurial organization, and provide the resources needed for a successful outcome. We also need to promote cultures that embrace risk-taking, and tolerate failure. True innovation often follows a series of failures. Next, we need to be sure students and teams are exposed to many different disciplines so that they can connect ideas from one field with problems in another. Finally, we need to nurture individual growth through mentoring, coaching and leading by example.
2.
College students in Korea often delay completing Bachelor’s degree intentionally
in order to gain more experience for their resume. As far as I know, this also
happens in the United States including your school. Is there any part that the
society is losing due to this phenomenon? If there is any, what is it?
Delaying
a Bachelor’s degree is a wonderful option for some students-especially if they
have a job and are getting relevant experience in the workforce, or if they are
too immature or undecided to attend college. I do not see this trend as one that
harms a part of society at this time.
3.
We know we are not able to force completing graduation requirements to students
who are not willing to do so. What can the society or we do in order to prevent
or improve this phenomenon?
Our
goal should be to graduate every student we admit into our institution. Of
course we will never achieve 100 percent, but we can strive to raise the bar and
sustain it at 85 or 90% quite reasonably. To help students graduate, we provide
support services while they are in school and ensure they are engaged in the
life of our campus. For those who have not completed requirements and have
dropped out, one possibility might be to create financial incentives to return
to university. That is not something our institution or government currently
does, but such a program may help increase completion.
4.
You have returned part of your raise to your school as scholarship. Was there
particular reason for this action? (Please pardon if not appropriate)
I
believe it is important to lead by example. Raising private scholarship funds is
one of my top priorities as president, and returning my raise is one way I led
by example.
5.
It’s not a surprise to encounter donation in the United States. But it’s not
easily seen in Korea. Where has this donating culture derived from, in your
opinion? What are some ideas that Koreans can learn from this culture?
Cultivating
a culture of philanthropy has taken generations in the United States. We have a
long history of civic philanthropy going back to the turn of the century when
industry leaders such as Rockerfeller and Carnegie gave back by building
libraries and schools in communities across the United States. Since then,
individual philanthropy began to grow and become part of the culture. There is
also a religious root to philanthropy, with Biblical encouragement to tithe, or
return 10% of your income to support your church. Introducing this concept to a
society is not easy, but to start I think you need to educate current students
about how philanthropy shapes their educational experience. Then the university
needs to stay in touch with those students once they graduate so that when they
are successful in their careers they will be understand the value of giving back
to the university to support future generations.
6.
Korea now faces serious conflicts between conservatives and liberals and has not
developed strong trust and integration between the government and the citizens.
The country suffers from major problems of quality of life and cost of living.
The United States surely encounters similar problems politically and socially.
What are some training or educational mentoring we need in order to overcome
this matter?
You
are right, the United States also experiences many of these same troubles. The
more we can train young people to be civic leaders and promote the values of
democracy, including free speech, free elections, a citizen government and
compromise for the greater good, will help. We also must forge consensus that an
educated population is central to a democratic society. All citizens must be
educated to the level needed to make informed decisions about important issues
and to elect good and effective leaders.
7. When you visited Korea in 2009, you
mentioned that, “the 21st century is the era of Asia.” Is there any change in
your belief from five years ago? What are some changes or challenges that Asia
now faces?
I
continue to believe that we will see an emergence and maturing of Asia this
century. In 2009 I talked about the 19th century as the one of Europe, the 20th the one of the US, and this as the one for
Asia. Clearly Asia’s economic power is large and growing, but so is the area’s
need for energy, clean water, and food. These three challenges have to be
overcome for the continent, and indeed the world, to thrive in this
century.
8.
Your major is Engineering. There's some prejudice that engineer has narrow view
of world. Do you agree with this thought? If not, please explain the reason.
I
don’t want to stereotype engineers. I don’t think all have a narrow view, but
perhaps a few do. Most engineers I know are well-read and well-travelled, with
broad interests in culture, politics, art, or music. Engineering dues teach one
to be analytical and to ask “why?” and “how?” These are great questions to ask
about all aspects of life to create a broad, holistic view and better understand
others and the world.
9.
And please explain to me why engineering and engineer is important for our
society? What can engineering and engineer do for trust and integration of our
society and the world?
Engineering
is one of many skills needed to help solve the most intractable problems and
grand challenges society faces. Consider food production and distribution, clean
water, advanced manufacturing at lower costs… engineers will play a big role in
solving these challenges. Clearly a well-built infrastructure and a robust
economy are enormously important to society, but a large number of other skilled
people are needed for all of us to live well, and to have healthy and
interesting lives in a full and robust culture.
10.
For the trust and integration of society, what effort should university
make? Please explain role of university and education to make trust and
integration of society.
The
University’s fundamental responsibility is to generate new knowledge and
disseminate it to diverse students globally. Through this work, we question, we
promote a diversity of ideas, we teach tolerance and we build trust among
individuals. Universities have a profound role in helping society achieve its
highest ambitions.
11.
What are your current interests? What are you going to discuss about at the HR
Forum?
My
current interests are in continuing to articulate the need for investment in my
university by the state, individuals, and the business community, to advocate
for increased funding of research in the US. At the Forum I will discuss various
aspects of a large research university like the University of Minnesota and the
role we play in society.
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