Confucianism

The mentality of modern Koreans is still shaped largely by the teachings of Confucius, who lived in China more than 2,500 years ago. In fact, Korea is more deeply imbued with Confucian habits than any other country, including China. Confucianism is so pervasive that Koreans unconsciously behave in a Confucian manner. To be Korean is essentially to be Confucian. Confucianism is more of a social code for behavior that it is a religion. The basic tenets if Confucian thought are obedience to and respect for superiors and parents, duty to family, loyalty to friends, humility, sincerity, and courtesy. Confucius identified types of relationship, each with very clear duties. They are ruler to people, husband to wife, parents to child, older to younger and friend to friend.

Ruler to People In the Confucian view, the ruler commands absolute loyalty and obedience from his people. They are never to question his directives or his motives. In return, the ruler is to be wise and work for the betterment of his people. He should always take their needs and desires into account

Husband to Wife The Confucian husband rules over his wife as a lord rules over his people. The wife is to be obedient and faithful, and she has a duty to bear her husband sons. The husband has the duty of providing his wife with all the necessities of life.

Parent to Child Children must be loyal to their parent s and obey their wishes without question. While the parents must raise and educate their children, the children must care for their parents in old age and always love and respect them.

Older to Younger Respect for age and obedience to all older family members is a key element of the Confucian ethic. Grandparents receive deferential treatment from grandchildren as well as from children.

Friend to Friend The relationship between two friends is the only equal relationship in Confucianism. Friends have a duty to be royal, trustworthy, and willing to work for each other’s benefit. Dishonesty between friends is a social crime and demands for punishment.

The Confucian ethics easily transfers into Korea’s business environment. In a company, the Boss is a ruler and father to his subordinates. Workers have a duty to obey the boss and work diligently to help the company succeed. They are expected to make great self-sacrifices by working overtime without additional pay. In return, the boss must concern himself with the daily affairs of his workers and make sure that all their basic needs are met. Among coworkers, those greater status and age command the respect of their juniors. Younger people are expected to defer their elders in speech and manner by opening doors, being polite, and so on. In return, elders are expected to reward their juniors for work well done and to assure that their subordinates benefit from any personal successes or promotions they receive. There is a strong bond among friends in the Korean business world. People who have established mutual trust and respect for each other will work hard to make each other successful.

Confucianism places women in a distinctly inferior role, and Korean business observes the Confucian rule. Women of exceptional skill or talent may achieve some success in business, but not likely. They are usually relegated to subservient positions such as secretary. The result is that women in high levels of education and training are likely to be frustrated in their attempts to find challenging or creative potions in business.

The main effect of Confucianism on Korean business has been in the development of a strictly hierarchical working environment in which workers are dedicated and industrious. As in most Confucian societies in the Far East, productivity is high, and labor relations are mostly harmonious.

The negative side of Confucianism is that Koreans are extremely conformist and rather uncreative people. Workers fill roles and prohibit new ideas, which could challenge status quo.

The importance of status

Koreans function under an ethic that places the highest premium on harmony and the maintenance of good feeling. Koreans are an extremely class-conscious people, Businessmen in Korea are so concerned about status that they cannot be sure of how to behave at their first meeting until their relative status has been properly established. For this reason, they may inquire of one another’s alma mater, parental lineage, place of birth, and age. Once status has been determined, they behave in s superior-subordinate relationship, with the junior person being exceptionally polite.

Education

In modern Korea, people born into the lower class have only a slim chance of ever rising in social status. The only way is that through education and for this reason young people live under tremendous pressure to perform well in school so that they can be accepted to the best universities.

Militarism

Because Koreans live in constant threat of invasions by the Communist North, military plays a preeminent role in society. The military heavily influences business. All males must register for the draft, undergo military training and serve in the army reserves. Military training has a direct effect in the structure and guiding philosophies of business entities. Businesses are essentially organized militarily, with clear-cut hierarchies of command. Subordinates are expected to receive and execute commands without question and with the self-sacrifice and commitment that a successful military operation demands.

Sexism

Korea is a male dominated society, in which women play supportive roles to men. In this business environment and only through hard work and lots of time spent providing herself can a woman hope to be treated as an equal. Even they have to take a back seat in negotiations even if she is in fact the most responsible person in the group. Staying calm in the face of prejudices is of utmost importance.

Working for a company not a company

Koreans have no concept of being loyal to a faceless entity but instead define their work relationship in personal terms. Their allegiance lies with the individual people who head the corporation or their particular unit, not the corporation as a whole.