South Korea Teams

South Korea Teams

Koreans have a strong family and clan attachment and see themselves as individually subordinate to these greater bodies.

This sublimation of the individual to the group makes them good team players – so long as they have respect for and a good relationship with the team-leader.

Thus, when working with a Korean team it is imperative to gain their respect through appearing honourable and respectful of others. Respect is also gained through educational achievement, age and experience.

If the right environment can be created, Koreans will prove wonderfully loyal team players. If, however, the environment is uncomfortable (and worst of all a place where peoples face is not protected) then groups will flounder and the team’s co-operation can be subtly withdrawn.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in South Korea only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.