SDLC 105: Learning Journal #2

When reading about individualist and collectivist article, the U.S. is definitely an individualist country. Most Americans care only about themselves and act in a way that ultimately benefits them. On the contrary, most Asian countries are collectivist, South Korea including. Koreans view coworkers as part of a family. Therefore as a group everyone will go out to eat and drink together. It's an insult to your coworkers and the company if you refuse to hang out with them. Bonding time is absolutely crucial to Korean firms.

To show respect to your elders, Koreans bow every time they greet or say farewell to someone who is older. Touching is acceptable but only during certain times. In a business environment, touching is not acceptable. Koreans don't usually make eye contact with people unless they are friends or when it is necessary. In a business meeting, eye contact is avoided. Personal space must be honored for Koreans.

Koreans work the longest hours by far. They value their time and money. It explains why they also drink a lot. They have to let out so much pressure. Being late is considered rude.

I'm confused on the part about internal and external. Does it relate to religion? I think Koreans believe that their successes are based on their own effort. There is no outside force that controls whether they are successful or not. Nothing can stop them from achieving something if they work hard for it. What does locus of control mean? While most people would love to believe that they have good luck, it's not practical to think in this manner. Like what is said in most stories, your destiny is not set, it can be changed if you put your mind to it.

Koreans communicate directly, with low context. They are very honest and will speak their minds if necessary. They care a lot about appearance and so if someone is not looking right or good, they will directly tell the person what is wrong or how they should change.

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