...Global Business Cultural Analysis of South Korea John Smith University of Rochester BUS 800 – INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Dr. Peterson March 6, 2015 Abstract Today, the United States conducts a substantial amount of business with South Korea. It is important that American managers, entrepreneurs, and businessmen understand the South Korean social, cultural, and religious dimensions of the nation. The South Korean culture and customs are uniquely different from those of the United States. The culture and customs of the United States are based on European traditions and religious Christian beliefs. The culture and customs of South Korea are based on Confucianism’s way of life, Buddhism’s individual salvation, and since the 1950’s Christianity’s redemption of the soul. American businesses that incorporate South Korean culture into American business practices will develop long lasting business relationships with their South Korean counterparts. American businessmen working in multinational corporations have adjusted well the collectivist culture of South Korea. Multinational enterprises considering cross border business in South Korea can feel safe investing in South Korea. Keywords: South Korea, United States, cultural dimensions, multinational business, Hofstede. Introduction South Korea is one of the United States most important strategic and economic partners in Asia. Members of Congress tend to be interested in South Korea for political purposes. South...
Words: 7498 - Pages: 30
...2011 This country analysis is for the beginning of a new business venture in South Korea. The business is an English private school/ tutoring center that focuses mainly on learning the language of English. The nature of this business is to bring new alternatives to learning English in South Korea. The organizational structure of this business will be mostly staffed with qualified English teachers. The overall mission statement of this business is to bring the best possible level of English language education to South Korea. This analysis will bring about the relevance of different country variables to this new business opportunity. The country variables consist of cultural environment, political and legal environment, economic environment, ethical environment, trade, investment, and foreign policy profile. Cultural Environment The cultural environment is one of the first things to consider when opening up a business in another country. Daniels mentions, “Most cultural variables are universal. Every society, for example, has its own daily routines and rules, codes or social relations, language, and the show of emotions—even concepts of luck” (Daniel, 2011). Therefore, some sort of study of the culture should be done. The Journal of Management & Marketing Research states, “Since the entry mode is crucial for the success of a new business in the overseas market, various studies should be made on the relationship between cultural distance and entry mode in the...
Words: 2328 - Pages: 10
...Strategy Final Exam Professor Robles Jin Won Jeong Dec 12, 2014 1. Regional Strategy: According to the readings for session #1, a very few multinationals are truly global. a. What are the bases for the claim that most multinationals are regional? The primary bases for the claim that most multinationals are regional are first the extraction of revenue by many “global” multinationals is confined to a region as opposed to the entire world, and second the similar market environment within certain region makes regionalization much more practical than globalization. First, Revenue generation in terms of geographic location is limited to specific regions or area, oftentimes geographically proximate regions. Rugman’s research uses the term home country to refer to the phenomenon that the home country diamond among countries in the same region is more similar to one another than the diamonds between a country in home country region and foreign country region. Therefore, adjacent markets are more likely to be similar to one another in in terms of business environment than home and foreign markets. More specifically, referring to the table 1 in the Rugman’s research, amongst fortune 500 firms, many have much higher intra-regional sales than foreign sales. This means that truly global, having penetrated the global market, multinationals are not common. Second, similar market environment within certain regions makes the exchange of products and services take place within a region...
Words: 3158 - Pages: 13
...Global Business Cultural Analysis: Republic of Korea Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide information to business professionals about the Republic of Korea, the Korean culture, and the peculiarities of conducting business in this country. The topics discussed include a brief historical background about the nation, its dimensions of culture, how these elements are integrated by Koreans, and a comparison between these characteristics and American culture and business practices. The paper examines the implications for US firms wishing to do business in Korea using Hofstede’s Dimensions of culture, a SWOT analysis, and FDI analysis. Keywords: culture, religion, Confucianism, innovation, export, KORUS FTA Historical Background of Korea The Republic of Korea (ROK) is commonly known as South Korea. For the remainder of this paper, the ROK will be synonymous with "Korea". Korea is located in northeast Asia on the Korean peninsula between the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan. It borders the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), also called North Korea (nK), immediately to the north, across the 38th parallel. Korea's total land area is nearly 62,000 miles, slightly larger than Indiana (www.cia.gov). It has an ethnically homogeneous population of over 49 million people, 83% of which live in urban areas (www.cia.gov). According to legend, Korea's birth as a nation was in 2333 BC with its early inhabitants coming from and heavily influenced by China...
Words: 9115 - Pages: 37
...SLEPT : http://research-methodology.net/samsung-pestel-analysis/ http://managementstudyguide.com/pestle-analysis-of-samsung.htm http://pestleanalysis.com/steeple-analysis-samsung/ http://www.formasup-npc.org/creasup/PESTEL.pdf http://www.marketingminefield.co.uk/pestle-analysis/ http://www.academia.edu/7103572/The_Complete_External_and_Internal_Analysis_of_Apple.Inc_and_its_SWOT_Analysis Political Samsung operates everywhere in the world and in most of the markets, the political environment is stable with some minor problems in few foreign markets, for example in India. Also Samsung is operating in emergent countries like Brazil, Turkey. This countries are recently had some tensions with the population and the government. The presence of the company is too in Africa, which the governments are not stable. The major problem can be from South Korea because there are some times some tensions with the North Korea. It means there are a threat to be in war between South Korea and North Korea. The company have to be aware about this political instability in his strategy. Economic This factor is really important for a company like Samsung. The new markets in the developing countries had to rethink about their strategy in the goal to extend their presence. And in the same time they had to take count about the global economic crisis. The purchasing power of consumers has known a decrease. The environment since the global crisis can change really fast and it became uncertain...
Words: 1106 - Pages: 5
...SWOT Analysis Strength * Samsung is famous for its innovative designs in electronics * Largest share in phone market and retains second position in smartphone market * Samsung sponsored Olympics to establish itself as a global brand. * Strong team of marketing team * Samsung their very creative to come up with promotional strategies to uplift their brand * Strong innovative advertising strategies to improve in product design * Produce best products with lost cost and high quality * Global recognized company * Samsung is good to implement quality initiatives such as Six Sigma and manufacturing initiatives Weakness * Poor brand image in global markets * They focus on too many things at a time * Products have a high defect rate * Previously consumers associated Samsung’s products with poor quality * Samsung brand is weaker in Europe and US Opportunity * In early 1970s, they ventured into the television market * After its success in the television market, they set up home appliances plant and started manufacturing refrigerators and washing machines * Established a marketing subsidiary in the USA * Established a sales subsidiary in Germany and its first overseas plant in Santa Clara (California) and Tokyo to improve the product line * Samsung Corporation initiated a restructuring process across the group in 1994 * Focus on product design and launch innovative products * Moving away from cheap...
Words: 633 - Pages: 3
...{draw:rect} {draw:rect} {draw:rect} {draw:rect} SIEMENS IN SOUTH KOREA International Management and Organizational Behavior {draw:frame} Zainy Alvarez Alejandro Padilla Julio Gómez Rodrigo Solares l. ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS Following are South Korea’s country analysis information: {draw:frame} II. ANALYSIS OF MCN Innovation has always been one of the most important elements in Siemens' business strategy. Innovations help the cut costs, increase sales and achieve higher earnings. Nowadays, those who fail to launch the right new product on the market at the right time will be punished more severely than ever before. According to Siemens there are 3 innovation strategies when relating to time: First movers – These are highly innovative firms that rapidly react and are the first to market a new technology, application or business model. Fast followers – These are the companies that avoid risky starts and high R&D costs, but win market share by improvements in price, quality or service from the first mover companies. Trendsetter – These are the companies that succeed in establishing a new technology and disruptive technologies that can revolutionize the market in the future. This is where companies aiming to obtain high profits should be putting their efforts just like Siemens is. There are many other strategies that Siemens is pursuing in order to improve quality of life for their customers and...
Words: 1744 - Pages: 7
...Journal of International Business and Cultural Studies When East and West Meet, Page 1 When East and West Meet: An Essay on the Importance of Cultural Understanding in Global Business Practice and Education S. J. Chang Illinois State University ABSTRACT As today’s business decisions and choices are increasingly influenced by the diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives of various corporate stakeholders, it is critical for business managers to have multicultural understanding. This motivates us to refine our business perspectives and approaches in global arena as well as our educational philosophies on global business management. Based on casual yet experiential discussions, this essay presents some cohesive points on comparative cultural understanding and business implications thereof between the “West” and the “East,” which is presupposed by the cultural contrasts between America and Korea. It can hopefully serve as a practically meaningful guideline for business practice and education on multiculturalism. Keywords: multiculturalism, global business management, comparative cultural understanding Journal of International Business and Cultural Studies When East and West Meet, Page 2 INTRODUCTION Thanks to the rapid and continuous expansion of large global businesses, today people, capital, information, and technology travel more freely, rapidly, and widely than ever. The everexpanding scope and scale of large global firms over the recent decades have...
Words: 5218 - Pages: 21
...Quantification, Weighting and Ranking 6 Table 2 7 Internal Analysis 8 Overview of Iceland 8 Marketing Factors 8 Financial analysis 8 Manufacturing factors 9 Iceland’s current resources and competencies 10 Table 3 10 The Boston Consulting Group matrix (BCG) matrix 10 Figure 1 10 External Analysis 10 PESTLE 11 Competitive Environment 12 Retailers 12 Table 4 12 Frozen Food Manufacturers 12 Table 5 13 Customer Trends 13 Target Market 14 Porter’s Five Forces 14 Figure 2 14 Lotte Group Analysis 14 SWOT 15 Strengths and Weaknesses 15 Opportunities 16 Threats 16 Objectives and Market Entry Strategy 16 Objective 1(Short term: 12 months) 17 Objective 2 (Medium Term: 1-3 years) 17 Objective 3 (Long Term: 3-5 years): 18 Internationalisation objectives 18 Marketing Mix 19 Product 19 Price 21 Table 6 21 Table 7 21 Promotion 22 Place 23 People, processes and physical evidence 24 Implementation 25 Table 8 26 Figure 3 26 Figure 4 27 Control 27 Figure 5 28 Bibliography 28 Executive Summary This report has been produced to provide Iceland Foods Group with a strategy to further internationalise. After investigation of potential countries it was decided that South Korea was the best market to enter. Analysis has been undertaken into both the external and internal environments with regards to South Korea and Iceland. Research into the frozen food sector in South Korea has shown the market is growing .The success...
Words: 10415 - Pages: 42
...PESTEE Analysis Korea Political Analysis Political factors refer to political situation of the country and the extent to which it may affect and interfere with the project. Political system of South Korea has undergone a huge transformation to become a democratic country in 1987. South Korea became a stable democracy with strong political and economic support from the US The political landscape of the country include centralization of power which the implementation of economic reforms became faster and effective so that the country was fully focused on economic development and friendly to foreign investments, especially strengthening foreign relationships with emphasis on EU. According to economic forecast, South Korea is to become the seventh largest economy in the world within next ten years. Though the fact the relationship with North Korea remain tense and uneasy, the government aims to solve this situation in better way. Since crisis in 1997, the government opened the South Korean market to foreign investors by identifying Foreign direct investment (FDI) and abolished the harmful regulations on foreigner shareholdings in domestic companies. The taxation system and particularly corporate tax in South Korea was simplified encouraged foreign investments. |Current strengths: |Current challenge |Future prospects | |Centralized power of attorney |Military violence still...
Words: 1657 - Pages: 7
...business strategy International Business Strategy 6/16/2014 Student ID: 13038597 Word Count-- 3558 Question 1 Man Won Jung, CEO of SK Telecom faces challenges of low profits since 2005 because the company is facing economic stagnation. SK Telecom has sought to expand the international market, but not dramatically. Not only has the international marketed, but the country also. SK Telecom had problems; existing competitor KT Corporation SK Telecom was before. The global financial crisis has also been one of the main challenges faced by Jung in 2008, Man Won Jung had to develop a strategy and a plan for all of these global strategic business challenges faced. Other carriers were far from SK Telecom ahead with technological improvements and new technologies has been a major threat to Jung. Customer Value Proposition SK Telecom should be worked first focus on target customers, what is the problem that led to competitors and to increase the market share of competitors in the same territory of how these needs customers demand. SK Telecom does not have to make profitable decisions for the international market and the credit crisis in 2008 was not very helpful. There was global financial crisis that began in mid-2007, focusing on SK Telecom, one of the largest telecommunications providers in South Korea, the above strategies SK Telecom were better than those that exist and SK Telecom already has faced over the period 2008-2009. Other companies in other countries around...
Words: 3791 - Pages: 16
...Elaine Hannah Why Invest in South Korea? Elaine Hannah Why Invest in South Korea? Why invest in emerging markets? To cash in where growth is today, and for the foreseeable future. But success is only possible if you have chosen the right entry modes to your market and understand the environmental, political and sociocultural factors of the chosen host country. This report analyses South Korea and demonstrates this emerging market is there for the taking if approached with shrewdness. The South Korean Government, after the financial crisis in 1997, decided it needed to make its country attractive for foreign direct investment, which resulted in the release of the Foreign Investment Promotion Act in 1998. This opened up a passage for 99.8% of Korea’s industry for direct investment. This report looks at the successes and failures of FDI’s in South Korea referred to as Korea from hereon, and what business factors influence these outcomes. Global Business Project Lecturer: Enda Murphy Student: 1063289, 1602617, 1728607 No of Words: 6198 Why invest in emerging markets? To cash in where growth is today, and for the foreseeable future. But success is only possible if you have chosen the right entry modes to your market and understand the environmental, political and sociocultural factors of the chosen host country. This report analyses South Korea and demonstrates this emerging market is there for the taking if approached with shrewdness. The South Korean Government, after...
Words: 9441 - Pages: 38
...and development of human capital was never an easy matter for Samsung, in fact the culture has been practiced and improvised regularly ever since 1950 to fit to the demand and maturity of the current society and technology. Nevertheless at the end, Samsung indeed make a marked in the world with sustaining a Single Samsung culture. 1. Perform a PEST on Samsung and identify the change drivers POLITICAL | ECONOMIC | * Work hand in hand with the government; consist the same agendas and values.Change driver- Globalization Promotion Committee consisted of a set of committees on policy planning, administrative reform, educational reform, science and technology influences Samsung as well. | * Main contributor of economy status in south KoreaChange driver- top down reform of the Korean economy to meet the rapidly changing conditions of the world economy. | SOCIAL | TECHNOLOGICAL | *...
Words: 6166 - Pages: 25
...PEST analysis of SAMSUNG mobile Samsung is a global conglomerate that operates in the “White Goods” market or the market for consumer appliances and gadgets. The company that is a South Korean family owned business has global aspirations and as the recent expansion into newer markets has shown, Samsung is not content with operating in some markets in the world but instead, wants to cover as many countries as possible. Therefore, the focus of this article is on the external environmental drivers of Samsung’s strategy. Political In most of the markets where Samsung operates, the political environment is conducive to its operations and though there are minor irritants in some of the foreign markets like India, overall Samsung can be said to be operating in markets where the political factors are benign. However, in recent months, it has faced significant political headwinds in its home country of South Korea because of the country’s tensions with North Korea wherein the company has had to take into account not only the political instability but also the threat of war breaking out in the Korean Peninsula. Apart from this, Samsung faces political pressures in many African and Latin American countries where the political environment is unstable and prone to frequent changes in the governing structures. Of course, this is not yet a major cause for worry as the company has more or less factored the political instability into its strategic calculations. Economic This dimension is...
Words: 716 - Pages: 3
...MUJI Case Study in China, Korea, and Japan Professor: Chun Zhang Date: 03/15/2014 Team Member: Anqi Liu Jiayuan An Jing Zhou Rui Zhao Dongyang Zhang Table of Contents: Introduction……………………………………………………………………………3 Company and Product…………………………………………...……….……………3 Evaluating Market Attractiveness…………………………………………………..4 Country Identification…………………………………………………………………5 Political Risk………………………………………………………...………………..5 Environmental Factor………………………………….……………..………………6 Preliminary Screening…….………………….…………………….……………….6 Country Rankings……………………………….……………………………………7 Cost of Transportation………………………….…………………….………………8 In-Depth Screening Criteria………………….………….….………………………8 Market Size and Growth………………………..……………..………………………9 Competitive Intensity…………………………..………………...……………………9 Segmentation……………………………………………….….……………………10 Appendix………………………………….…………………………………………12 Work Cited……………………………………..………………….………………...14 Introduction MUJI is distinguished by its design minimalism, emphasis on recycling, avoidance of waste in production and packaging, and no-logo or "no-brand" policy. The name MUJI is derived from the first part of Mujirushi Ryōhin, translated as No Brand Quality Goods. If people say it is a brand, it is better to say MUJI is a philosophy of life. MUJI does not emphasize the so-called fashion sense or personality nor endorses popular brands should raise his status. On the contrary, MUJI is coming from the consumer point of view to develop products that "plain handy". ...
Words: 2641 - Pages: 11
