Transformation of Korean Human Resource Management Based on Confucian Values

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Transformation of Korean Human Resource Management based on Confucian Values Confucianism presented the Korean society with norms that influenced human activities both in the social and corporate perspective. This paper addresses the influence of Confucianism on Korea’s Human Resource Management (HRM) and also compares and contrasts the Korean HRM style with the American HRM style. It also explains the effects of the introduction of the American style on Korean companies. Confucian principles have a strong impact in Korea’s Human Resource Management because it instills several behavioral and management characteristics that influence organizational management styles. These principles manifested in every aspect of the country’s HRM practices. Confucianism greatly emphasized on ethical values such allegiance to the superior, respect for authority and faithfulness to everyone (8). It is a strong value system that promoted exceptionally strong work ethics because of its emphasis on the value of efforts. Therefore, Confucianism helped HR managers to promote and maintain high work ethics in the work environment and educational system. It is a tradition that influenced the behavior and mentality of most Koreans by fostering an ambition, which creates an internal drive for success and mission accomplishment. In addition, Confucianism brings tradition in the work place by promoting a seniority based HRM system. This system promotes respect for heritage and experience because the two gauge the position of an individual in an organization in terms of seniority. Conversely, the American HRM style pays much attention to employee performance and responsibility instead of heritage or seniority (18). Confucian style in Korea gives more credit to personal traits such as length of service, gender and academic achievement more than job content or the degree of employees’

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