Samsung Group starts in-house campaign to reduce drinking

Samsung Group starts in-house campaign to reduce drinking. September. 20, 2012 05:24. nex@donga.com.

Korea’s largest conglomerate Samsung Group on Wednesday announced an in-house campaign for a “sound drinking culture.”

The group had previously attempted to change the heavy drinking culture among employees but failed to produce the desired results. Samsung said its latest campaign is comprehensive and strong.

The conglomerate identified the “three vices of drinking” as the practices of forcing others to drink, consuming a drink in a single shot, and sharing alcohol in big bowls, which are usually done under the pretext of teamwork building.

Samsung called such practices “taboos” with a view to eradicating them.

“First, we encourage staff to participate in the campaign voluntarily,” a Samsung source said. “If the drinking culture doesn`t change, however, violators could face disadvantages in personnel affairs.”

The conglomerate said excessive drinking not only hurts employee health but also negatively affects productivity, adding, “The campaign is also meant to encourage employees to stay on their toes amid the economic crisis.”