Book

The culture of Korean industry: an ethnography of Poongsan Corporation

University of Arizona Press • Tucson • Published In 1992 • Pages:

By: Kim, Choong Soon.

Abstract

This book examines the culture and cultural influences of a major Korean company. Kim sees Confucian influence in the behavior of the founding president, who although may not espouse Confucian ideals, does live by them. Also, Kim sees Confucianist influences in the hierarchical and formal relationships of the corporation. Indeed, managers are sent in retreat to classical Confucian academies (SOWON), where they live a austere existence and are exposed to Confucian teachings and Korean folk culture. Personal connections are important in hiring managers and also in maintaining favorable relations between government and business. In the early history of the company, workers and managers worked in common effort to make the company a success, however, since then labor relations have soured. The unequal distribution of Korean wealth in the postwar boom period undermined the moral posture of entrepreneurs and managers in the eyes of the working class. Kim locates the source of Korean motivation and hard work ethic in the past conditions of poverty and humiliation that have lead to a particular emotion called HAN, or bitterness. He concludes that Korea's corporate culture is influenced mostly by Korea's own cultural history.

HRAF PubDate

1998

Region

Asia

Sub Region

East Asia

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Types

Ethnologist

Indigenous Person

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 1997

Field Date

1987-1991

Coverage Date

1355-1991

Coverage Place

Republic of Korea

Notes

Choong Soon Kim

Includes bibliographical references (p. 223-238) and index

LCCN

92004859

LCSH

Koreans