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BUSI 604 Business Cultural Dimensions Analysis
Assignment
International Business (Liberty University)
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RUNNING HEAD: BUSINESS CULTURAL DIMENSIONS ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT
Liberty University
BUSI 604: Business Cultural Dimensions Analysis Assignment: South
Korea
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Business Cultural Dimensions Analysis Assignment: South Korea
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Abstract 3
What are the major elements and dimensions of culture in this region?
Dimension of Culture: Communication 4
Dimension of Culture: Religion 4
Dimension of Culture: Ethics 6
Dimension of Culture: Values and Attitudes 6
Dimension of Culture: Business Manners and Customs 7
Dimension of Culture: Social Structures 8
How are these elements and dimensions integrated by locals conducting business in the
nation?
Dimension of Culture: Communication 9
Dimension of Culture: Religion 9
Dimension of Culture: Ethics 10
Dimension of Culture: Values and Attitudes 11
Dimension of Culture: Business Manners and Customs 11
Dimension of Culture: Social Structures 12
References 14
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ABSTRACT
This research paper is meant to cover the business cultural dimensions of South Korea. There are
six major elements that must be covered in ordered to have a partnership with South Korea. This
research paper will discussion the dimensions of communication, religion, ethics, values and
attitudes, manners and customs and finally social structures and organizations. South Korea
known as the Republic of Korea, has gone through many changes and has developed its own
traditions.
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South Korea
What are the major elements and dimensions of culture in this region?
Dimension of Culture: Communication
Communication is important between cultures so one can understand the different
dimensions while enhancing knowledge to other value systems, beliefs, and goals.
Communicating properly can express your persistence in wanting to do business in another
country. Knowing how to pronounce and spell in a foreign language is important when traveling
abroad. Among language barriers are also similar words with different meanings or even an
accent that can lead to a misinterpretation. Leaders must be able to communicate in the exchange
of knowledge, creating partnerships, maintaining open relationships, conveying a set deal, and
many more obligations that rely on boundless communication efforts. One should also know
body language, avoid using slang, and acronyms as it can be offensive in another country.
For years the main language of communication used in South Korea was only Korean.
Nowadays, one will see and hear the use of both the Korean language and English. Now that
English is being considered part of the official language, Koreans have no choice but to spend
thousands of dollars learning English. The language is not practiced much but Koreans will see
that they need it for informative purposes and routine evaluations. Officials in South Korea
have now realized that to globalize the world, English is a perilous reserve for endurance (Song,
2011). Communication is key in any given situation and without it, everything else will fail.
Dimension of Culture: Religion
Religion is known as a certain belief or worship within an organization. There are over
ten thousand different religions in the world with an estimation of five practiced in South Korea.
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South Korea is thought to have a wide mix of different religions within the nation that would
affect their culture. It is not uncommon for a Korean to practice different religions at one time.
The religions practiced are Shamanism, Confucianism, Daoism, with the dominant religions of
Christianity and Buddhism and a small percent not associated with any religion at all. Korean
religious worship sometimes has known to involve idols while others tend to believe in
superstitions. Koreans believe in everyday fundamental teaching as to how they should live their
lives according to their symbolic system of faith.
Shamanism is a religion practiced to prove spiritual powers by walking on blades while
using bells and mirrors to cure an illness (Kim, 2010). This religion is important to Koreans as
they use it to connect to spirits through song and dance. These rituals are used to convince the
spirits to help people and cure sicknesses.
Instead of religion, Confucianism is thought to be conceived as a way of life. The religion
of Confucianism is structured with five pillars to the belief system including benevolence,
righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness. These are a set of values and morals that
are built upon inner virtue, principles, and respect for the community in which one lives.
Confucianism is thought to keep harmony and peace among a community or family.
Daoism or known as Taoism is the religion that conducts one to live in harmony with
Tao. Humans and animals are to live in harmony with Tao, being in line with the universe. This
religion has been on the decline because there is not much information about the teaching. The
Korean Christian belief is that all men were created in the image of God. Most South Korean
Christians come from Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist churches. It was first
introduced by books brought in from China. Korean Buddhists have known to include some of
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the Shamanism elements into their religion. Buddhism is the act of receiving personal salvation
through rebirth. The Buddhist is said to receive an endless cycle of restoration.
Dimension of Culture: Ethics
Ethics is something that is instilled within a person or culture as a means of the way one
should conduct themselves. Ethics can vary and what one may think is okay may not be in
another. For example, in South Korea, it can be seen as unethical to speak to any other person
besides the man in charge which is seen as superior to all others. Appropriate guidelines are
passed down within the Korean culture that is seen as acceptable practices. Koreans have strong
morals that are taught early in life. These morals are accepted from history and it’s something
that they truly hold firm to. To excel in life, children of this culture feel the pressure at a very
early age to secure their future. Many Korean ethics are harmonized with the new Confucian
ethics that place importance on education, health, personal and family relationships, obedience,
responsibility, and hierarchy. These ethics are then rendered into a variety of behaviors and
attitudes. Korean Christian schools have even created a value system for children and teachers to
follow. Their motto falls in line with the Korean Educational Act and with characteristics of the
Korean Culture (Park, 2003).
Dimension of Culture: Values and Attitudes
Attitudes can be conceived by the way a culture accepts the concept of time, dealing with
change, the role of gender, and social status. When conducting business, it is important to value
each other’s time with considerations in limiting interruptions. Also, different cultures value
time differently, one may think it’s acceptable to run over in a meeting while others perceive it
as being rude. Dealing with change in a culture can be accepted to new technologies that can
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change the world. Many cultures are not open to certain changes or even the gender that it could
be coming from. The role that genders play in South Korea is very important. They believe that
the man is supposed to run higher status in the business world while women stay home and
nurture family needs. The social status is broken into the small minority class, the petty
bourgeoisie, the middle class, and the working class. Out of the four classes research has said
that the middle class is best at excelling.
South Korean values are accompanied by collectivism and their historical past.
Traditional Korean values include protection of the family, obedience to the family, and hard
work. The hard work value stemmed from the Korean War between 1950 and 1953. It was
during that time when Koreans thought that, to achieve success all people should be created
equal.
Koreans tend to stick together and when a person outside of their group thinks the opposite of
their values, they tend to hold a negative attitude towards them. The attitudes of South Korean
have been reported as unfriendly. Research has said that South Koreans had unfavorable attitudes
towards whites and European Americans. But Koreans see themselves as nondiscriminatory
(Baek, 2021). Furthermore, Koreans are accepting of other minorities as long as they abide by
Korean expectations and philosophy.
Dimension of Culture: Business Manners and Customs
As a ritual, South Koreans treat business manners by prioritizing them over their extra-
curricular life. Furthermore, the business relationship turns to personal relationships, and
understanding the dynamics of multicultural differences will bring a successful result. The
manners constructed should be to always respect the authority and elders of the group. Korean
values are deeply rooted in every aspect of their lives which means even in a business
environment one must continue to work hard and should be eager to learn new constructs.
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Business manners and customs are to remain humble, virtuous, and punctual throughout the
entire deal. In South Korea, as business relationships are created, long-lasting personal
relationships will flourish. But these relationships will only flourish in following their belief
system and values.
Dimension of Culture: Social Structures
South Korea has many different social structures. A social structure is a social group
prearranged with members of a society and with their corresponding social institutions. One of
the social structures created in South Korea would be women and their education. Women in
Korea have fewer opportunities for higher education, work, and poor financial resources than
men (Chun, 2008). South Korea is known for its boom in its economic growth and because of it,
the demand for education is common. Women were expected to stay home and focus on family
care while men were the breadwinners. In Korea, there is great competition for admission to
higher education. Before the government was known to have control over admission standards
but parents were looking beyond the structure and investing in private teaching. Since then, it
has been forced across the board to be fair to all applicants. Fairness, relating to standardizing
admission so that it fits into Korean values. This has been an important sector in Korean lives
because they wish for their family members to be successful. Part of being successful requires
one to attend college and learn the English language to fruitfully compete globally. “South
Korean university students’ investment in English shows how English has been largely
considered one of the most powerful forms of capital that individuals need to acquire in order to
successfully compete and thrive in the midst of overcrowded and precarious market conditions”
(Choi, 2021, p.3).
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How are these elements and dimensions integrated by locals conducting business in the
nation?
Dimension of Culture: Communication
Misinterpretation of a business venture can cost a company millions of dollars. One
should familiarize themselves with the appropriate language and gestures is crucial with any
organization. Not knowing the background of culture can cause offensiveness, appear rude, and
may cost an organization the closing of a deal. The introduction of potential business partners
with one in Korea should be done ahead of time by a third-party supporter. The third-party
conveys trust and respect among the two parties. Following an introduction should be a bow
and the shaking of left hands indicating respect. The individuals may exchange business cards
and the recipient should not immediately stuff them in his pocket or it can be a sign of
disrespect.
Since Koreans build a personal relationship through business relationships, expect a business
meeting to be punctual and held longer as it is an opportunity to get to know one another. In a
business setting, Koreans tend to be very respectful listeners. As the ones doing business with
South Korea, they also need to wait their turn without interrupting during a business meeting.
Furthermore, Koreans depend on hierarchy and the one with the most authority will respond and
give direction during a conference. If an inferior person has something important to say they
will refer to the person will the most authority first. Avoid eye contact with any other person
other than the authoritative representative. The conclusion of meetings should be done in a
manner of gift-giving. Be prepared to give a sign of appreciation for their time.
Dimension of Culture: Religion
Much of South Korea’s religion has played an important part in how one should
conduct themselves in attitude and behavior in a business setting. Religion is being embedded
in many
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political and economic ties. Furthermore, Koreans believe that Christianity and Confucianism
have played a part in the country’s economic growth. Confucianism is a system of ethics that
involves devotion to family and friends, justice, peace, education, and reform. In a business
setting, it is Confucianism that gives way to hierarchy. Confucianism gets its name from, the
Chinese philosopher Confucius. He addressed issues of corruption, war, and excessive taxation.
He believed that respect should be given towards seniors and that there would be an extensive
penalty for one that stepped out of place.
Americans should understand the meaning of Kibun and Inhwa in doing business with
Koreans. These words are part of their religion and must be understood in a business setting.
Kibun simply means mood or feelings. Koreans will tell you what they want to hear to avoid
confrontation. While Inhwa wants to preserve harmony, threatening the harmony of a Korean
could also mean being excluded from future business plans. Demonstrating the qualities of
Confucianism could guarantee a successful business relationship.
Dimension of Culture: Ethics
When conducting business in a global environment, ethics are known not to be universal.
All cultures have a way of what is perceived as right but may vary in idealism and relativism
(Paik, Lee & Pak, 2017;2019). Ethics are principles that direct a person’s behavior.
Additionally, ethics in global business and modern life are known again as many of the values
held in Korean Confucianism (Moon, 2019). Key principles held in a business setting of South
Korea would be honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, respect for others, and concern for others.
Ethics that are embedded within the culture keeps a tight-knit family-like environment. In
Korean society, the
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hierarchy is tiered and respected. The position that one holds and the occupation level is a key
indicator of status but under certain circumstances, age may override this.
Not all global business interactions are true. The cultural traits of South Korea are also
known to have an influence on corruption (Jun, Kim & Rowley,2019). Many cultures have
faced corruption issues that led to ethical standards and developing anti-corruption policies. In
2017 alone, three people in charge of Korea’s politics were arrested and fined with corruption
and bribery.
Dimension of Culture: Values and Attitudes
Korea is known to have a large power distance between seniors and subordinates in an
international business transaction. This can lead to negative attitudes and corruption within an
organization. Some of the attitudes faced in South Korea come from gapjil. Gapjil is when
someone of power tends to abuse their position. Examples of someone of power could be related
to a teacher to a student, a man to a woman, or a politician to citizens (Jun, Kim &
Rowley,2019).
Just as a typical workweek in the United States, Koreans work a typical forty hours a
week a with twelve hours allowed for overtime. Time to Koreans is important. They are efficient
in starting on time and if a business meeting runs over, this can be in your favor. They are in no
rush and expect to get to know the one they are doing business with as this may turn into a long-
lasting personal friendship. Speaking of, men are normally the top managers in Korea. They
generally dress in black suits with white shirts. When conducting a business meeting it is best to
wear dark traditional colors.
Dimension of Culture: Business Manners and Customs
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Cultural diversity will be present when you have a variety of people within a business
meeting. Diversity can differ across language, class, gender, and geographic location.
Understanding culture in a business setting can help one to respond to unforeseen behavior. This
would help to ensure that one behaves in an acceptable manner and to avoid confusion.
Additionally, in a business setting Korean men wear dark-colored suits with white shirts
and a tie. When the meeting is first set up, you may be greeted with a business card upon arrival.
Business cards are a way of determining the status, position, and rank that one holds. While still
standing there, one should receive a business card with two hands and give one back in return.
Among the Korean community, business is normally conducted in a Confucian manner.
Senior Koreans expect to be seated first in a business setting and once they remove their jacket,
it will be okay for the next to do so. In many cases, Koreans tend to get to know a person first
before conducting any business. A person of another culture should have lots of patience at this
point as business may be conducted later after the senior Korean feels necessary.
It’s always best to ask open-ended questions as Korean’s dislike refusals. When meeting,
always delegate someone who knows the Korean culture best as this will show respect and
knowledge for the other culture.
Dimension of Culture: Social Structures
There are typically four sets of social structures known in Korea. There are the yangban
or the scholar-officials among the culture, the chungin (middle people) were persons that were
physicians, professional military or astronomers, the commoners or sangmin population were a
large group of people consisting of farmers and merchants, and the ch’ommin referred to the
people that are at the bottom of society.
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Most of the social structure within South Korea has continued to be built on
Confucianism and neo-Confucian. The nation is defined by relationships rankings of
authoritative roles to subordinate positions. Koreans are seen as a group of people who are self-
controlled, deferential, and meticulous while also conformed with an image of being emotional
and volatile.
Children are raised to be dependent on themselves. Korean parents are normally very
education-driven and also steer their children in the same manner. Korea is known to be an
obsessed nation with education (Curran, 2019). In today’s time, women have gained more
power and status but Korean men tend to be the breadwinners of the family.
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References
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Choi, L. J. (2021). English as an important but unfair resource: University students’ perception of
English and English language education in South Korea. Teaching in Higher Education,
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Chun, H., Khang, Y., Kim, I., & Cho, S. (2008). Explaining gender differences in ill-health in
South Korea: The roles of socio-structural, psychosocial, and behavioral factors. Social
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Moon, C., Uskul, A. K., & Weick, M. (2019). Cultural differences in politeness as a function of
status relations: Comparing south Korean and British communicators. Journal of
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Theoretical Social Psychology, 3(3), 137-145. Retrieved
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