Topic > Analysis of the Cultural Environment in South Korea

Edward Hall's high and low context framework is classified based on how certain cultures communicate and the role that the relevant context or environment has on their styles and communication models. That context could be the person's body language, behavior, position in the room, and order. According to Hall's framework, South Korea can be considered a high-context country. Most of their information is shared by people in society and there is not much need to explicitly state it in their messages. This means that much of their communication is mainly implicit, indirect and context-dependent. In Korea, people have a wide variety of networks and value long-term relationships compared to more individualistic countries. They strongly prefer high-context information and appeal to ambiguity even when it comes to communicating. Similar to Japan, the Republic of Korea attaches utmost importance to the principles of diligence, selflessness and harmony. This could be due to Confucianism and its teachings on certain rules and mannerisms which can be held responsible for heavily influencing most Asian countries to be considered high context. By using indirect communication, Koreans are able to help others “save face” and, by not taking sides, avoid being noticed. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Trompenaars' seven-dimensional framework based on social science describes behavior arising from underlying cultural value. The first five concern cultural models relating to relationships between people, while the remaining concern how we understand time and nature. South Korea's culture is based on particularism in which they value relationships and trust in rules. As mentioned above, widespread networks in Korea play a significant role in regulating behaviors. Furthermore, they believe that circumstances dictate the rules to be followed and that their responses depend on the situations and can vary depending on the moment or who is involved. Therefore, legal contracts are often modified and more flexible depending on the relationship. Subsequently, Korea falls under communitarianism as it believes in seeing itself as part of a group and working together for progress will lead to a better quality of life. As a result, there is intragroup loyalty and joint responsibility. That said, this causes decision making to be much slower as everyone gives their input and consensus is needed. Korea is also believed to have a neutral culture where they hold back any emotions or thoughts and maintain all composure. People can be considered cold and rational when it comes to making decisions. Korea has a diffusive culture in which work and personal life are integrated and overlap. For example, their work relationship spills over and influences other aspects of their life. Koreans often leverage relationships with colleagues after work to achieve their business goals. South Korea also has a culture of ascription as it considers a person's status based on who you are. Some factors that influence this could be social status, power, position, education and age. Considering that Korea has great formality in showing respect and using titles, there is a certain hierarchy when it comes to roles, behaviors and decisions. Sequential/synchronous: future-oriented > emphasis on planning and future possibilities South Korea believes.