A multi-perspective analysis of culture and technology management: A Korean case

Abstract

This research applies a multi-perspective decision-making approach [6,7] and the concept of discounting or planning horizons as a framework to study the influence of culture on technology policy and management in Korea. Korea has invented the world's first metallic type and MP3 player and they had great opportunities to develop them earlier than other technologically advanced countries. However, these two inventions were not commercially successful for Koreans. Many reasons could have attributed to the failure. We argue that the imbalance among the technical, organizational, and personal (TOP) perspectives was a major factor. Business executives and policy makers also need to deal with issues related to discounting and forecasting when planning for commercialization and diffusion of new technologies. In addition, culture also plays an important role that bridges invention and innovation; invention can be transferred to innovation with a culture which can support the invention, and invention can be inspired by an innovative culture. In sum, the balance of multiple perspectives of decision-making, the applications of the principles of discounting and technology forecasting and planning, and the roles of diversity and government policy are all crucial for the success of an innovation in a global context.