...Korean Business Etiquette Tips While North Korea is still attempting to transition from a planned economy to capitalism, South Korea has a thriving, trillion-dollar economy, the 4th largest among Asian countries. Because of this, South Korea is an ideal place for business people to develop new clients and colleagues for expanding into Asian markets. As with any international business interaction, knowing the ins and outs of proper business etiquette will be key to your success. Because just a few missteps could cost you a business deal, practicing proper Korean business etiquette will impress your Korean colleagues, demonstrate your finesse in the business world and help you solidify a lucrative new business relationship. Korean Business Meeting Etiquette Korean business meeting etiquette is highly ritualized, as the Koreans' appreciation of conformity, rules and order dictates specific ways of doing business in Seoul and throughout South Korea. Here are some Korean business etiquette tips to help you appropriately interact with your foreign colleagues: • Avoid saying 'no' directly. Instead, indicate disagreement or reluctance by inhaling air through closed teeth, tipping your head backwards and/or saying 'maybe.' • Break up your speech with pauses for questions and to facilitate translation. Try to pause between points you articulate allowing your colleagues time to listen to the Korean translation, digest your information and ask you questions. It is also important...
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...Introduction Doing business overseas is often difficult for western businesspeople, we are used to a fast-paced environment in which decisions are made quickly, there is little or no time for "chat," and business life is kept strictly separate from personal life. In South Korea, all that changes. This paper examines some of the cultural practices that will affect a westerner trying to penetrate the South Korean marketplace. Overview of Korea South Korea is "a very modern, advanced country with an excellent transportation infrastructure, modern architecture, highly advanced telecommunications and excellent hotels" (Doing business in South Korea). Though the country seems to be westernized, it is in fact very traditional; with respect for age, family and hierarchy all coming into play in business transactions (Doing business in South Korea). While Western business people are largely "exempt" from social constraints, they should be prepared to answer "rather probing questions" with regard to age, marital status, educational level and position within the company (Doing business in South Korea). The South Koreans ask such questions in order to establish a "social hierarchy," since business relationships there are largely based on personal ones (Doing business in South Korea). Confucianism is "still the strongest ethic in South Korea and reinforces thinking on behalf of the group" (Doing business in South Korea). Individualism is seen as selfish, which...
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...specific given country (South Korea), economic, socio-cultural and legal and political environment. Economic environment Past four decade South Korea showed an impressive growth as well as global integration to become a high tech industrialized economy. In past in 1960s, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita was compared to the poor countries (Africa and some parts of Asia), by 2004, it joined the trillion dollar club of world’s economies and currently in the top twenty largest economies (Globserver Asia, 2013). They achieved this by placing the system of close government and business ties, also including directed credit and import restrictions (Central Intelligence Agency, 2013). In 2012 due to the market slowdowns in United States, Eurozone and China, the economy has experienced slow growth. Though it is the 8th largest exporter in the world ($548.2 billion) which decreased 0.21% from prior year. The export goods are semiconductors, wireless communications equipment, motor vehicles, computers, steels, ships and petrochemicals (Central Intelligence Agency, 2013). In 2012 the country’s GDP was $1.622 trillion which ranks 13 on the world scale which increased 2.7% from previous year, and a GDP capita in US dollars was $32,400. The real GDP growth rate was 2.7%. The unemployment rate was 3.8% and the inflation rate was 2.2% (Central Intelligence Agency, 2013). Socio-cultural environment Main language spoken and written in South Korea is Korean. The religious...
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...and services from suppliers in China, Japan, and South Korea. It was recommended that my company use an approach to business negotiations that provides a win-win for both parties. Management was also told they needed to know the background of the Asian negotiator and that they should use a “middleman” to help them with the negotiation. Because of your work in China, the vendor would like your advice in this business dealing. The intermediary stressed the importance of etiquette and social customs in addition to the win-win model. The first thing we need to to do is research the company and their culture etiquettes. Then I will need to find the right person to conduct the negotiation and train others members involve information that they will need to know when doing business with this company as to the do’s and don’ts and how to have a win-win business negotiation. Then we should send the company our business information with the person that will be conducting the negotiation rank within our company. This will establish a first step business approach before doing business with one another. When doing business with China, Japan and South Korea the U.S. vendor must know the social customs as well as each country etiquette for this will play an important role on business negotiation. One should present there company information to each individual that it is seeking business before scheduling a meeting. When looking to do business with one of these countries it is best to know how...
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...Mia Rose December 11, 2013 When conducting business with foreign countries it is important to be knowledgeable in many aspects of that country. There are many differences between foreign countries and the United States when it comes to dealings with business transactions. For example business partners within the United States tends to lean towards an interpersonal level and having other form of relationship outside is frowned upon. In Asian countries businesses will not even begin negotiating until a relationship is built and there is a level of trust. The use of a middle man can be helpful when negotiating in order to gain an understanding of the background information of the foreign negotiators. Aside from the importance of etiquette and social customs it is important to know the negotiating tactics employed. When doing business with China, Japan, and South Korea it is important to know the differences between each individual country. While they are all Asian countries and there are many similarities in etiquette there are many differences when dealing with negotiations. Before negotiations starts one must be conscientious of attitudes and styles, the sharing of information, pace of negotiations, and bargaining. China and South Korea share the attitude and style of distributive and contingency, while Japan is more cooperative. The Japanese see “negotiating as joint problem solving”. (Lothar Katz) China and South Korea’s distributive and contingency style of...
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...successfully enter the country of South Korea. South Korea has strong ties to the United States government and has a similar quality of living as the United States there will not be a huge labor cost advantage however, there won't be a disadvantage. This report however, will focus on cultural differences not the business model for entry which should be done with a joint venture with a local company. Major potential cross cultural issues could be the following Language Barriers, Foreign Culture, Environment, Labor, and Ethical Differences. We will look at these one at a time. Language Barriers the spoken Language of South Korea is of course Korean so Company A will need a interpreter that is fluent in both Korean and English and have a very good understanding of both cultures to avoid confusion during translation and to avoid offending the two parties. Company A will also have to have all documentation translated and then translated back to ensure that the communication is consistent in both directions. It is also important to understand body language and gestures. A great example of this is when meeting it is proper protocol to bow and shake hands with the person of lower status initiates the bow and says "man-na-suh pan-gop-sumnida" which is similar to saying "pleased to meet you" then the more senior person initiates the hand shake. Information is received prior to the meeting. Another example is when gift giving or presenting your business card after meeting someone you use...
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...Discussion Forums 2 Related Links 3 Guidelines for business etiquette 4 Essential business culture guides for the international traveller Discussion Forums Related Links [1] Contact Executive Planet Guidelines for business etiquette Executive Planet™ provides valuable tips on business etiquette, customs and protocol for doing business worldwide. Our guides are co-authored by experts in international business etiquette, who are available to answer your questions on the discussion board. Essential business culture guides for the international traveler Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada Chile China Colombia Denmark Egypt France Germany Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Ireland Israel Italy Japan Jordan Malaysia Mexico Netherlands Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand Turkey United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Venezuela Yemen The Executive Planet™ guides to doing business worldwide each contain the following articles: Let's Make a Deal - negotiating tactics, the value of connections, recommended business card style and content, business card protocol, sitting and presenting yourself in meetings, language for brochures and promotional material, pace of business, preferred presentation styles, final agreements...
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...Global Business Cultural Analysis South Korea By: Erik Mays Liberty University BUSI 604 Dr. Romanoski May 9, 2014 Abstract In this research paper I will be analyzing the cultural perspectives of doing business in South Korea. In doing so, I will be answering the four major questions as it relates to the major Elements and Dimensions of culture in South Korea. Also, since the dimensions of culture in any nation are many, it is necessary to analyze each category that makes up the Dimensions of one’s culture, these categories have been in place for many years in any given country. If we simply consider the Dimensions of Culture in the United States alone, which range from Religion to our Ethical standards, it would be clear that there are many categories within each of those. Therefore, it is important to analyze each category in detail, in an attempt to determine exactly what it will take to do business in that country or any country across the globe. This research paper will attempt to identify those major elements and dimensions of culture in South Korea. Once these elements and dimensions have been identified, it would give a clearer picture on how South Koreans integrate those elements and dimensions into their everyday business. Also, when comparing South Korean and the United States culture and business, there would naturally be implications that should be considered for US businesses that want to do business in South Korea. This research will also address those...
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...Doing Business in South Korea South Korea has to be classed as one of the world’s great economic success stories. Along with Taiwan, South Korea is the only country which has recorded five consecutive decades of economic growth in excess of 5%. This is an amazing achievement which is the result of careful governmental macro-engineering, sound business practice and sheer hard work from the population at large. Economists feel that, given the lengthy stagflation seen in Japan, that it will not be too long before South Korean levels of prosperity are at a par with Japan. Both South Korea and Japan are intensely conformist societies (one of the many similarities between the two countries) but they differ in one fundamental thing. When faced with hardship or adversity the Japanese tend to turn inwards and backwards towards the familiar and comfortable whereas the South Koreans are absolute masters of change and rebuild. If things aren’t working, they just change them and they have proved adept at doing this very quickly and very effectively – you only need to look at the contrasting reactions to the crisis that hit Asia in the 1990’s. Japan is, arguably, still recovering while South Korea has long been in rude health. South Korea has also re-invented itself as the cultural epicentre of Asian culture. Korean pop music, or K-pop, has been exported with great success all over the continent and Korean TV dramas are watched from Tokyo to Beijing. South Korean films are...
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...Values, Norms, Traditions, and Narratives of North Korean Culture Even though the cultural values of North Korea are always evolving,I felt that the following values and norms are fundamental to their culture. Harmony in personal relationships is a dominant force in a Korean’s life (Moerch). Facts, logic and conclusions are often not nearly as important as how one is looked upon by others. Friendships are tight-knit and valuable. It is an insult to refuse a friend’s request. It is even less forgivable to fail a superior. These friendships are possible because everyone does his or her best to preserve the harmony of good feelings. The bearer of bad news may smile to soften the blow, or they may avoid giving the news, even if s/he is merely the messenger and in no way responsible for it. It is very hard for Koreans to admit failure and it is devastating to lose face in Korean culture. The directness of Westerners is thoroughly unpalatable to many Koreans (especially older and/or more traditional people), whose self-esteem is often on the line. In Korea, it is very important to maintain “kibun” or the feeling of being in a in a comfortable state of mind. Kibun has no literal translation in English. However, it can be described in terms of pride, face, mood, or state of mind. In order to maintain a Korean’s sense of Kibun, particularly in a business context, one must show the proper respect and avoid causing loss of face. In a culture where social harmony is essential, the ability...
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...“Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu The Faculty of Economics Master in Business Management, C1 Doing Business in Japan 2013 Introduction Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. The characters that make up Japan's name mean "sun-origin", which is why Japan is sometimes referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun". Japan is an archipelago of 6,852 islands. The four largest islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. Together, these four islands hold about 97 percent of Japan's land area. Japan has the world's tenth-largest population, with more than 126 million people. Honshū's Greater Tokyo Area, includes the de facto capital city of Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures. It is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with more than 30 million residents. Japanese culture has evolved greatly from its origins. Contemporary culture combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America. Traditional Japanese arts include crafts such as ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, swords and dolls; performances...
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...Culture has a major influence on international and local businesses. Firms today have to deal with the reality of cultural diversity not just on the international business scene but also within their organizations. Understanding this diversity and successfully interpreting it helps to realize and take advantage of the opportunities provided by globalization. Analyzing the cultures of triumphing companies and countries helps to compare, contrast and learn from their path to glory. Based on these facts, this research paper will study three different successful electronics companies from three different countries/cultures. These are Apple Inc. of USA, Samsung Electronics of South Korea and Sony Corporation of Japan. Apple and Sony Corporation are both involved in many types of business activities and Samsung Electronics is part of a larger multinational conglomerate (Samsung group) which comprises numerous affiliated international businesses. However due to size and commonality of products, this research will focus on their electronics business with specific attention to Mobile devices (Smartphone and mobile computing devices). This research paper will briefly touch up on the activities of the three companies and how cultures of their respective countries influence their corporate culture, management style and overall business activities. The purpose of such research is to analyze the corporate culture of each company in relation to their respective country of origin and present a comparative...
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...| Differentiation by Culture | Professional Communication Midterm | | Miranda Fick | 2/22/2013 | | Communication is Essential Communicating is an essential part of human nature, and has been around since the first humans walked the earth. People are communicating on a constant basis through what they say, the way they walk, what they wear, their facial expressions, and even the way they communicate while we are sleeping. Communication can easily get misunderstood because many cultures and genders communicate differently. Things such as religion, age, first language and geographic location tend to make communicating with one another more difficult. Good communication skills are imperative in an everyday life setting, because knowing how to get your point across effectively so that your audience understands exactly what you are trying to say, helps close the communication gap among cultures and individuals. Non Verbal Communication Communication is an information process going on between at least two human communicators embedded in a context and a situation. This process can begin from the first impression using your nonverbal behavior and how uphold yourself. Non-verbal behavior is instilled in us and therefore difficult to manipulate. Cultural differences between the uses of non-verbal signals can easily lead to confusion over intentions and reactions. If one individual from another culture displays what we feel to be inappropriate non-verbal behavior, we have...
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...Global Business Cultural Analysis: Republic of Korea Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide information to business professionals about the Republic of Korea, the Korean culture, and the peculiarities of conducting business in this country. The topics discussed include a brief historical background about the nation, its dimensions of culture, how these elements are integrated by Koreans, and a comparison between these characteristics and American culture and business practices. The paper examines the implications for US firms wishing to do business in Korea using Hofstede’s Dimensions of culture, a SWOT analysis, and FDI analysis. Keywords: culture, religion, Confucianism, innovation, export, KORUS FTA Historical Background of Korea The Republic of Korea (ROK) is commonly known as South Korea. For the remainder of this paper, the ROK will be synonymous with "Korea". Korea is located in northeast Asia on the Korean peninsula between the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan. It borders the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), also called North Korea (nK), immediately to the north, across the 38th parallel. Korea's total land area is nearly 62,000 miles, slightly larger than Indiana (www.cia.gov). It has an ethnically homogeneous population of over 49 million people, 83% of which live in urban areas (www.cia.gov). According to legend, Korea's birth as a nation was in 2333 BC with its early inhabitants coming from and heavily influenced by China...
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...KOREA Managing International Cultural Differences Fall 2010 Introduction The Republic of Korea, also known as simply South Korea or even just Korea has an extremely long, rich, and varied history. Some Korean mythology has the origins of Korea dating as far back as 2333 B.C. The first settlements occurred 700,000 years ago. The Goguryeo kingdom prospered from 37 B.C. until they fell to an alliance of Silla and Tang forces in 668 A.D. The Unified Silla Kingdom promoted development of culture and arts, and the popularity of Buddhism reached its peak from 676 – 935 A.D. The Goryeo Dynasty was established in 918. Buddhism became the state religion during this time and greatly influenced politics and culture. The Goryeo Dynasty’s strength decreased gradually in the latter half of the 14th century. The Joseon Dynasty was formed at the end of the 14th century and during this time Confucianism became the state ideology. The Joseon Dynasty produced the Korean alphabet, which was invented in 1443. Their power declined because of the Japanese invasion of 1592. The Japanese annexed Korea in 1910 and the Korean people suffered under their rule until Japan surrendered in 1945 to the United States of America which ended World War II. The economic and business industry continued to develop and change throughout this long period of history in which Korea was alternately controlled, occupied, unified, invaded, at war, at peace and at a cease fire by and with various other...
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