Value Preferences of Korean and American Managers in a Global Corporation

Abstract

This study compares the work value preferences of managers between Korea and the U.S. in a global company. The national profiles of value orientations are in-depth analyses of 10 basic different cultural variables in the countries surveyed. The findings represent the cultural value preferences of both countries as an experimental study. The most distinguishing values of Koreans and Americans which represent their different value preferences are individualism of Americans and collectivism, the reverse of individualism, of Koreans. Right after individualism/collectivism, the distinguishing values between Koreans and Americans are hierarchical or equal power distance, formality or informality, and high or low context of communication. The results clearly show the general value orientations of American and Korean managers, and the value preference differences of both countries. It is confirmed that the eastern value preferences of Korean managers are more easternized, and the western value preferences of U.S. managers are more westernized respectively. Ultimately the findings can lead to a better understanding between Koreans and Americans and thus minimize potential conflicts and misunderstandings.