M2A! Discussion South Korea

                                South Korea           United States 

Power Distance             60                             40

Individualism                 18                             91

Masculinity                    39                             62

Uncertainty Avoidance 85                             46

Long Term Orientation 100                            26

Indulgence 29 68

          South Korea with a score of 60 for 'power distance' per Hofstede this indicates that they are a society that is slightly hierarchical. Moreover, everyone accepts they place without justification. The individualism score of 18 shows a collectivist society. Loyalty is paramount as illustrated by their strong relationships to their inner-circle. South Korea falls on the feminine side of the Masculinity dimension, care more about the quality of life as suppose to a life mired in success. High scores in Uncertainty Avoidance shows that Korea has rigid codes of belief and behavior. Long-Term Orientation for one of the counties most pragmatic societies means that in business terms Koreans care more for stakeholders and society than making their shareholders rich. Indulgence a low score for Korea demonstrates restraint and a tendency to be pessimistic and cynical.

          Since apparently the U.S. Hierarchy is established for convenience whereas, both manager and employees want to be kept in the decision-making loop. Personally, I expected higher scores for Masculinity being that America considers itself the conscience and moral authority of the world. Uncertainty Avoidance is another low score for the U.S. meaning that there is acceptance -for new ideas, innovation, the technology.  Where we fall short is the tolerance for the opinions, ideas and the freedom of the expression of others. Long-Term orientation the low score of 26 indicates a propensity to analyze and scrutinize new information. And lastly, Indulgence is reflective in Americans by their contradictory attitudes and behaviors.

Reference

Hofstede, G. (2017), Article, Get to know your organisational culture, Retreived from,