The Cultural Difference Between South Korea And Morocco

One East Asian country and North African country are compared using Hofstede’s six dimensions of cultures to find similar results in four of six behaviors but an extreme difference in how each society keeps a link with the past while maintaining the present and future. The cultural difference between South Korea and Morocco are most obvious in the dimension of Long Term Orientation, and each approach business in the most opposite way. Analyzing the comparison of these two countries gives a further look into their particular culture and the impact it has on business choices. Understanding how culture is an important aspect of an entity leads to successful business and leaders. A country’s Uncertainty Avoidance dimension, or the way a society

South Korea scores 39 on Hofstede’s scale therefore is more feminine, valuing in equality between sexes, and focus on quality of life by working to live. Countries who score low on this scale prefer free time and flexibility in the workplace and care more about wellbeing over status. As a manager they would strive for equality and solidarity and with this mindset would resolve conflict through compromise. An effective manager would be one that is supporting and involves others in their decision making process. Morocco scored a 53 in this dimension therefore was marked as inconclusive due to its

South Korea scores a 100 being one of the most pragmatic societies which is the exact opposite of Morocco who scores a 14, being very normative (Hofstede, n.d.). South Korea is less concerned about quarterly profit than they are with steady growth of the market for generations to come. They live their lives guided by virtue and good examples to lead their decisions that impact a long span of time. That is the exact opposite of Moroccan culture where the absolute truth is the most important and tradition is highly valued. The main focus is on achieving quick results that impact now. In Morocco it is a multicultural society made up of many different parts that have deeply rooted traditions, values, and beliefs that make it hard to do business with (Gray, 2002). An example of how this dimensional difference could impact these two countries is by understanding a ritualistic greeting done by the Moroccans. When greetings take place between family and acquaintances Moroccans have an extensive way to say their hellos and no business venture could slow or stop this ritual. It would be important for a Korean businessman who is on the opposite end of the spectrum to have patience during this time in order to show respect for the tradition that Moroccans