AM Lecture 6

Management > Asian Management > Background > Under stress > HRM abroad > HRM cultural traits

HRM cultural traits

HRM traits in Korea are culturally and ethically homogenous, based as they are upon a high work ethic (eui-yok), a preservation of group harmony, seniority-based decisions, top-down decision-making, and loyalty and respect of a worker (cheong).

Recruitment determinants

Song and Meek (1998) interviewed six personnel managers, asking them to describe the perfect applicant. They apparently looked for the following characteristics:

• Personal character. People are hired on who they are, rather than what they can do
• Ability to maintain harmonious relationships
• Collectivism. Those who are recruited become part of a regimented group of people, who are unable to adapt. This creates a self-fulfilling prophecy in management.
• And most importantly - education

Recruits are often asked about their fathers' occupation and their own family background. Applicants from broken homes are not selected, as they are seen to be more likely to disrupt group harmony.

In group interviews, applicants are observed on how well they listen to others and adapt their own views to others' opinions. Candidates who hold their own opinions stubbornly are not positively evaluated.

Characteristics/paradoxes

Change?

Leadership