South Korean Business Imperatives

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South Korean Business Imperatives - K.C.C

[edit] BUSINESS CARDS:

The business card is a very important and very essential item in the South Korean corporate world. The exchanging of business cards, also called name cards, is vital to ensure a proper introduction. In Korean culture, a businessman is not truly comfortable until he becomes familiar with the company and position of the person he just met.^[1]

• One side of the card should be in Hangeul (Korean), and the other in English.
• Name, title, and any qualifications are printed on the card to help distinguish one’s rank; an important factor in South Korean culture. ^[2]

Not only is the meaning and appearance of a business card significant, but also the exchange itself.

• When presented or received, both hands are used to show pride and admiration for a person’s name.^[3]
• Upon receiving a name card, a polite business person takes a moment to read it over before placing it into a business card case or on a table to later use as reference.
• A business card is never shoved into one’s pocket or written on, as that is seen as being disrespectful behavior.

[edit] GIFT GIVING:

The giving and receiving of small gifts is a normal way of conducting business in South Korea. Personal relationships are of great magnitude in the Korean culture, even in the business world. Small gifts are considered as a thoughtful gesture and are usually used to help build these personal relationships, especially at the first business meeting.

• If from a foreign country, it is customary to bring gifts from that country.^[4]
• Items such as pens, baskets of food, liquor, beauty products, and cigars are acceptable gifts to give.
• A gift is both given and received with both hands.
• The gift is sometimes refused, however, this is done of out politeness.
• Once a gift is received, it is not courteous to open it in front of the giver or in public.

[edit] KIBUN:

The key cultural imperative to consider when doing business in South Korea is their concept of kibun. Kibun is a mood or feeling of balance and good behavior. In South Korea, the people continuously try to maintain an environment where their kibun is stable. Others also respect another’s kibun, and would dare not do things to disturb it. Because South Koreans have such a high respect for this concept, it has become the center of behavior; both in personal and working lives. In the business world, Koreans will always make an attempt to be polite, friendly, and do things with only the best of intentions. To maintain this good state of kibun, Koreans avoid having to say no, do not put others down, and hate to be the bearers of bad news. Respect is always given to steer clear from loss of face. However, kibun can pose as a problem to foreigners conducting business in this country. Because no one wants to take blame or point fingers for a job done wrong or poorly, it is essential for outsiders to "read between lines and" "interpret subtle hints" when faced with problems. Respect and pride are extremely important in every aspect of South Korean life. ^{[5] [6]}

REFERENCES:

1. ↑ [ http://www.rln-eastmidlands.com/pdf/country/South%20Korea%20Culture%20Field%20Report.pdf]
2. ↑ [1]
3. ↑ [2]
4. ↑ [ http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-southkorea.html]
5. ↑ [ http://64.233.179.104/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=cache:NNg5jogfLoIJ:www.geocities.com/thomas_schulz/koreaweb.pdf+business+etiquette+in+south+korea]
6. ↑ [ http://www.communicaid.com/%5Ccross-cultural-training%5Cculture-for-business-and-management%5Cdoing-business-in%5CSouth-korean-business-and-social-culture.php]